Asbel Kiprop shines at Machakos AK Cross Country meet

As the Athletics Kenya (AK) Cross Country season kicked off Saturday at Machakos Teachers College, the first leg of the six-meet series delivered some thrilling performances.

 In the senior men's 10km race, Asbel Kiprop Kiprono emerged victorious with a time of 32:11.2, edging out Francis Abong, who clocked 32:14.7. Victor Kipruto completed the podium in third place with 32:29.1.

In the women's 10km, Moureen Jepkoech claimed the top spot, finishing in 36:22.9, ahead of Christine Njoki (36:32.2) and Esther Chemtai Kipkech (37:13.7), who took second and third, respectively.

 In the junior women’s 6km race, Ivonne Chepchirchir claimed victory with a time of 21:40.2. She was closely followed by Lonah Cherono from Magnolia Athletic Camp in Loitokitok, who clocked 21:50.7. Cherono noted that while she was well-prepared, the terrain posed challenges. "I was well trained, but the cross-country field was not a good one," she remarked.

Florence Chepkoech, who took third place in 21:57.7, was thrilled with her podium finish. Representing Lemotit Camp in Londiani, Kericho County, under Coach Paul Kemei, Chepkoech said, “I’m happy to have sealed a podium finish, and I will go back to train on speed. I thank God for the position today.”

Lemotit Camp is home to world record holder Beatrice Chebet and seasoned runner Sandrafelis Chebet, adding to its legacy of producing top athletes.

With the next five meets set to take place in Kapsokwony, Iten, Bomet, Olkalau, and Kisii, the season promises to be highly competitive. Athletes are vying for top honors and cash prizes, with Ksh 50,000 for senior winners and Ksh 30,000 for juniors.