Kimosop, Nyasikera reign supreme at Nairobi Cross Country

The event’s highlight was the men’s 8km race, where Silas Senchura defended his title with a commanding performance, clocking an impressive 24 minutes 27.8 seconds.

John Mapei followed in second place with a time of 25 minutes 36.2 seconds while Charles Mbugua rounded up the podium in 25:39.6.

Senchura, who trains in Ngong under coach Gideon Rono, has been a standout performer this season.

His previous victories at the Machakos Cross Country, a second-place finish in Ol Kalou, followed by a third-place finish in Iten positioned him as a strong contender for the upcoming Athletics Kenya (AK) National Cross Country Championships set for February 8 in Eldoret.

“My cross-country season has been good. I feel my body is responding well. My endurance is strong, but I need to improve my speed, especially my final kick,” said Senchura in a post-match interview.

Reflecting on Friday’s performance, he acknowledged challenges with navigating the tight corners and loops of the 2km course at Nairobi West Prison Grounds. “I pray to God to see me through the nationals,” he added.

In the junior women’s 6km race, Miriam Chemutai dominated the field, finishing in 20 minutes 42.3 seconds. Fancy Chepkorir came in second at 20:57.00 while Mercy Mageso and Vivian Cherotich completed the top four in 21:01.9 and 21:42.0, respectively.

Chemutai, who trains at Lemotit Athletics Camp in Londiani- Kericho under coach Paul Kemei, impressed with her determination.

She was part of Team Kenya at last year’s World Under-20 Championships in Lima, Peru.

“I am delighted to be in Nairobi. The course was tough because of the section with marram, but Lima’s experience has fuelled my desire to excel in major races. I’m setting my sights on the next World Cross Country Championships.”

Fancy Chepkorir, a 17-year-old Form Four student at Kalyet Secondary School, expressed her aspirations, inspired by greats like Sandrafelis Chebet.

“I hope to follow in her footsteps. Though I placed 16th at the Kisii Cross Country, it’s been a learning curve. I’m excited to race again at the Discovery Cross Country on Sunday.”

The young athletes, drawing inspiration from double Olympic champion Beatrice Chebet, remain committed to breaking records.

“We are motivated by Chebet’s success. Her performance gives us hope.”

In the senior women’s 10km race, Lydia Nyasikera of Makadara clinched victory with a time of 35:24.7 followed by Jacinta Kamua (36:44.9) and Njoki Ndungu (37:36.2) from Kasarani.

Meanwhile, Victor Kimosop reigned supreme in the men’s 10km race, finishing in 30:12.2 ahead of Meshack Kimutai (30:36.7) and Betwel Kipsang (30:40.3).

Athletics Kenya Nairobi Region chairman Barnaba Korir said the first six athletes in each category will book tickets for the National Cross Country to be held on February 8 in Eldoret.

“I will make sure my region gets athletes on the national team to the World Championships. I’m happy to note that we have been dominating the junior races,” he said.

Korir is optimistic about Kenya’s global reputation in athletics, crediting AK’s efforts in organising high-calibre events.

“The National Cross Country Championships on February 8 in Eldoret and the Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour at Lobo Village, alongside the upcoming Kip Keino Classic, are evidence that Kenya is ready to host even bigger events,” he affirmed.