Daniel Ebenyo wins at the Kenyan Cross Country Championships (© Michelle Katami)
World 10,000m and half marathon silver medallist Daniel Ebenyo and Brillian Jepkorir Kipkoech claimed the senior titles at the Kenyan Cross Country Championships held at the Eldoret Sports Club on Saturday (8).
More than 100 athletes contested the senior men’s 10km. Kenneth Lagat assumed an early lead with Isaac Kibet and Ebenyo close behind. Lap after lap, the athletes confronted the dusty, dry course and endured the scorching sun as they were cheered on by thousands of spectators on the course.
Ebenyo, looking strong and enjoying the competition, tested the field with an increase of pace which led to a quick response from Lagat and Simon Mungai. Ebenyo never relinquished the lead, dictating the pace with Robert Kiprop Koech, Charle Katur Kakuri and Mungai on his trail.
Ebenyo’s finishing surge was unmatched and he went on to claim victory in 30:48. Nickson Kogei came through for second place in 30:53 with Mungai taking third in 30:56.
“The race was very competitive but it was good,” said Ebenyo. “This race is part of my preparation for the Seoul Marathon (on 15 March). After Seoul, I may try to attain the World Championships qualifying time for the 10,000m but for now, I don’t know. I am open to possibilities.”
The women’s 10km field featured the likes of former half marathon and 10km world record-holder Joycline Jepkosgei, Sheila Chelagat, 2018 Commonwealth 10,000m silver medallist Stacy Ndiwa, Maurine Jepkoech and Brillian Jepkorir Kipkoech.
Chelagat made her intentions clear with a short-lived early surge, forcing the field into single file. Kipkoech then moved to the front and took control of the race with Jepkoech and Jepkosgei still in the mix. After trying to shake off Jepkoech’s challenge, Kipkoech finally managed to break free in the closing stages to win in 34:30. Jepkoech took second place in 34:33 and Ndiwa completed the podium in 34:55.
Kevin Kiprop and Lonah Chemtai took the U20 men’s and women’s titles respectively, while Olympic 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi and Purity Chepkirui won the senior men's and women’s 2km races.
The national cross-country championships were a warm-up to the Sirikwa Cross Country Classic – a World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold event – which takes place two weeks from today.
Michelle Katami for World Athletics
Leading results
Women (10km)
1 Brillian Jepkorir Kipkoech 34:30
2 Maurine Jepkoech Chebor 34:33
3 Stacy Ndiwa 34:55
4 Joyceline Jepkosgei 35:02
5 Susy Chebet Chemaimak 35:17
Men (10km)
1 Daniel Ebenyo 30:48
2 Nickson Kogei 30:53
3 Simon Ngatha Mungai 30:56
4 Weldon Kipkurui Langat 30:59
5 Titus Kiprotich Kibet 30:59