World U20 3000m steeplechase champion Jackline Chepkoech was cloud seven after clinching her first senior career debut at last weekend’s Athletics Kenya Central Rift Cross Country Championships that were held last (Saturday 8) at the Lobo Village in Uasin Gishu County.
The 19 years-old says she is focused on retaining her title at the next edition set for Cali, Colombia on August 1-6 this year.
Chepkoech led a podium sweep for her native Uasin Gishu at the event, clocking 34:39.20 and she was followed by Jescah Chelagat who pulled 35:18.50 with Agnes Keino closing the podium finishes in 35:59.40.
She is optimistic of a better performance at the Athletics Kenya National Cross Country championships that will be held at the same village on January 22 in Eldoret.
“As much as I have won this title, I would like to replicate it at the national cross country championships. It is helping me build endurance ahead of my World under 20 title defence,” said Chepkoech.
She was satisfied with her performance considering the difficult circumstances under which she had cut the tape.
“I won this race but my preparations were too minimal after missing training due to illness. Qualifying for the national championships is a good thing for me. I also want to represent Kenya at the World Championships in Eugene, USA.
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