Olympic Champion Wanyonyi wins AK Cross Country in Iten

The picturesque highlands of Iten, often hailed as Kenya’s "Home of Champions," played host to the 3rd Athletics Kenya (AK) Cross Country Weekend Series today.

Against the stunning backdrop of the Rift Valley, some of Kenya’s most promising young athletes and seasoned runners battled for top honors, with North Rift, Central Rift, and the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) showcasing impressive depth and prowess.

From lightning-fast sprints to grueling endurance contests, each race delivered thrilling performances.

Women's 2 KM: Naomi Korir Dominates

In the fiercely contested 2 KM Women’s race, Naomi Korir from Central Rift emerged as the top runner, crossing the finish line in an impressive 6:42.0.

She was closely followed by Nelvin Jepkemboi of North Rift, who clocked 6:47.8, pushing hard in the final stretch to challenge Korir.

Cynthia Cheseebe from KDF claimed third with a time of 6:54.8, while her teammate Mercy Jepkoech Kiplyego finished just behind in fourth at 6:57.6.

Rounding out the top five was Chelangat K. Naomi of North Rift, clocking 6:57.8, ensuring her region was well-represented at the front.

Men's 2 KM: Olympic Champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi steals the Show

The Men’s 2 KM race witnessed an electrifying sprint, with Olympic 800m champion Emmanuel Wanyonyi, competing as an individual, and claiming victory in a swift 5:50.6.

North Rift’s Kamar Etiang was a close second, just milliseconds behind at 5:51.0. Teammate Phanuel Koech, who recently impressed at the World Under 20 Championship in Lima, Peru, secured third with 5:54.3.

Reflecting on his podium finish, Phanuel remarked, "Competing here in Iten among my peers keeps me sharp and focused. Each race is a new challenge, and I love testing my limits."

Ezekiel Letaya Tiepus from KDF clocked 5:55.2 for fourth place, while Levi Kipkurui Bichii from Sinonin Camp rounded off the top five, coming in at 5:56.6

Under 20 Women’s 6 KM: Lonah Cherono Leads Magnolia Athletics Camp to Victory

In the Under 20 Women’s 6 KM, Lonah Cherono of Magnolia Athletics Camp clinched first place, completing the course in 20:48.4.

She led a highly competitive race that saw North Rift’s Alice Chemtai finish a mere second behind at 20:49.6. Fellow North Rift athlete Abigael Chemnagei took third with a time of 21:04.3, further highlighting the region’s strength in young female talent.

Chepkoech Florence from Lemotit and Mercy Jelimo from Central Rift followed in fourth and fifth, clocking 21:09.8 and 21:20.9, respectively, demonstrating the depth and resilience in the field.

Under 20 Men’s 8 KM: Kevin Kiprop Claims the Crown

The Under 20 Men’s 8 KM race was no less intense. Central Rift’s Kevin Kiprop emerged as the top runner, finishing in 24:24.6 and setting a high standard for his competitors.

North Rift’s Andrew Kiptoo Alamisi claimed second place with 24:28.0, showcasing his tenacity over the rugged course.

Third place went to Cornelius Kipkosgei, also from North Rift, who crossed the line in 24:30.9, while Silas Senchura Nchayo from Ngong and Anthony Kibiwot from Western took fourth and fifth, with respective times of 24:31.4 and 24:41.8.

Reflecting on his win, Kiprop commented, "I feel inspired running alongside such talented athletes. Each competition is a step closer to my dreams of representing Kenya on the global stage."

Senior Women’s 10 KM: Cintia Chepngeno Sets the Pace

The Senior Women’s 10 KM race saw Cintia Chepngeno from KDF deliver a stellar performance, clinching first place with a commanding time of 34:27.4.

Western’s Miriam Chebet was hot on her heels, finishing just a second behind at 34:28.5, while Catherine Reline of North Rift took third place in 34:29.7.

Reflecting on her win, Chepngeno said, “Every step of this race was a push against my own limits. It feels rewarding to finish strong and see that hard work pay off.”

KDF’s Gladys Kipkoech came in fourth at 34:50.3, followed closely by North Rift’s Christine Njoki, who rounded out the top five with a time of 34:52.7.

Senior Men’s 10 KM: Robert Kiprop Shines for Police

In the premier 10 KM Senior Men’s event, Robert Kiprop Koech of the Police team took top honors, finishing in a remarkable 30:38.7.

North Rift’s Asbel Kiprop Kiprono followed closely with a time of 30:47.7, while teammate Vincent Kiptoo completed the podium with a 31:20.4 finish.

Aphaxzard Kimutai from KDF clocked 31:21.5 to take fourth place, and Victor Kipruto Kiprono from North Rift secured fifth with 31:33.0.

This race was a showcase of sheer endurance, speed, and strategy, marking Kiprop’s achievement as a standout in a highly competitive field.