Chebet extends dominance at Nairobi Cross Country meet

Sandrafelis Chebet won a record third Nairobi Region Cross Country Championships on Sunday as Lemotit Athletics Camp once again dominated competition held at the Nairobi West Prisons grounds.

The evergreen Chebet timed 33:48.5 for her victory with Lemotit Camp teammate Emily Chebet finishing a distant second in 35:07.8 and Margaret Nduta rounding of the top three places in 35:41.6.

“I thank God for winning a fifth title running for Nairobi region. It was a new course but I am happy that I have won and I also thank my competitors especially my training mates for pushing me today.”

“I am now looking forward to the nationals on Saturday. I know it will be tough but I am going to fight for a slot in the team for Africa Cross Country,” said Chebet who placed ninth at the Discovery Kenya Cross Country a week ago.

Naibei Kiplimo clocked 30:04.77 to win the men’s 10km race as Patrick Mwaniki (30:09.42) and Shadrack Masai (30:14.05) finished second and third respectively.

Kiplimo who missed out on the national championships last year said he is now ready for the big boys at the national extravaganza.

“I believe in myself and I am not afraid of anybody. I will just compete as Kiplimo and hope everything will work out. It won’t be easy but I will try,” he said.

Rongai-based Victor Chepkwony dominated the 8km junior men race from gun to tape clocking 24:42.3.

The 18 year old is now hoping to make the cut on the team that will head to Togo.

“I feel I am in good shape at the moment and I am hopeful ahead of national championships. My main target this year is the World Under-20 Championships but I am also keen on the Cross Country,” he said.

Triza Cherotich also from Lemotit won girl’s 6km race in 21:25.6 followed by Dorcas Chepkemoi (21:49.0) and Regina Wambui (22:26.9).

In the corresponding boy’s race, Peter Kibui emerged top in 19:01.1 while Lemotit’s Miriam Chemutai took the top honours in the girls 5km race.

The region used the event to select their team for the national championships slated for February 13 at the Ngong Race Course.

Selected Results

5km Under 18 girls
1 Miriam Chemutai 17:17.3
2 Fancy Chepkorir 17:22.7
3 Sharon Chepkemei 17:40.9
4 Daisy Chepkorir 17:51.0
5 Florence Chepkoech 17:52.2

6km Under-18 boys
1 Peter Kibui 19:10.1
2 Peter Kamau 20:15.9
3 Felix Kiprotich 21:59.5
4 John Gathogo 25:11.9
5 Amos Kasili 26:08.7

6km Under-20 girls
1 Triza Cherotich 21:25.6
2 Dorcas Chepkemoi 21:49.0
3 Regina Wambui 22:26.9
4 Diana Chepkorir 23:06.3

8km Under-20 boys
1 Victor Chepkwony 24:42.3
2 Jackson Kikana 25:00.0
3 Onesmus Gitau 25:50.3
4 Stephen Kibosi 25:59.0
5 Franklin Saitoti 26:13.8

10km senior women
1Sandra Chebet 33:48.5
2 Emily Chebet 35:07.8
3 Margaret Nduta 35:41.6
4 Ann Nasisyo 36:07.1
5 Bency Cheruiyot 36:26.1

10km senior men
1 Naibei Kiplimo 30:04.8
2 Peter Mwaniki 30:09.4
3 Shadrack Masai 30:14.1
4 Mathew Samperu 30:17.3
5 Evans Ruto 30:22.9