Chemining, Ngumbao clinch Prisons Cross Country titles

Loice Chemining and Shadrack Ngumbao stormed to easy victories in the men’s and women’s 10km races at the Kenya Prisons Cross Country championships today at the Prisons Staff Training College in Ruiru.

Loice Chemining, the 2024 Brasov 10Km winner representing PHQ, emerged victorious in 33:09.7, fending off a strong challenge from Brillian Chepkorir (33:27.7) of Coast and National 800m champion Lilian Odira (33:44.9) of PSTC.

She was thrilled to have won the race, revealing that her next assignment will be pacing at the Osaka Marathon scheduled for next Sunday, January 26.

“First, I want to thank God because I was not expecting to win but I thank God. The training has been okay and I decided to try my best and things worked out well for me. In 2019, I was working here and I won then took a maternity break and I have returned very strong,” Chemining stated.

“Next Sunday, I will be in Osaka pacing and then after that I will compete at the National Cross country and then I will try and do my best. I will not be switching to the marathon anytime soon, maybe in 2027.

 “The World Championships will be coming and I am not sure whether I will be competing there but I will give my best shot to make the team,” she added.

Chemining intends to contest the 5000m and she will have to compete with the likes of Faith Kipyegon and Beatrice Chebet during the trials for her to make it to the team.

Marathon world record holder Ruth Chepngetich finished fourth and acknowledged the race’s difficulty while expressing her focus on preparations for the upcoming London Marathon. She also dismissed rumors on social media about doping allegations.

“The race was not easy maybe this is just preparations for the London Marathon but am also going to continue training hard. I won’t feel any pressure so long as I train hard and I believe it will help me gather more confidence.”

“I keep positive and people should never judge or spread rumours without any verified information. I have not done anything, it’s individual. People should be sure with what they are saying,” Chepngetich said.

In the Men’s 10km race, Shadrack Ngumbao of PSTC claimed victory in 30:11.5, with Boaz Kipngut of Eastern finishing second in 30:43.5 and Silas Chepkirui, a guest athlete, taking third in 30:48.0.

“The weather was fine, whenever it rains there is some challenges but I thank God for the win. This year I was well prepared as compared to last year. I am going to try to increase the pace so as to remain competitive.”

Results

Women’s 1Okm race

1. Loice Chemining  33:09.7

2. Brillian Chepkorir  33:27.7

3. Lilian Odira  33:44.9

4. Ruth Chepngetich 33:51.4

5. Carren Chebet 34:24.6

6. Millicent Kemunto 35:07.3

Men’s 10km Race

1. Shadrack Ngumbao   30:11.5

2. Boaz Kipngut  30:43.5

3. Silas Chepkirui   30:48.0

4.Fredrick Musyoki  30:57.9

5.Hillary Simatwa  31:05.1

6.Caleb Kimanzi  31:09.7