Africa U18 3000m champion Emmanuel Kiplagat and Esther Borura were the winners of the first Athletics Kenya Cross Country Championships that was held on Saturday (7) in at the Machakos People’s Park in Machakos County.
Following the postponement of the races to mourn the late Agnes Jebet Tirop, action resumed today and Kiplagat took on his closest challenger and he beat him hands down as he cut the tape in 29:40.07 with Vincent Kipkurui coming home second in 29:42.2. Fredrick Domongele closed the first three podium finishes in 30:08.0.
The 2020 Summer Olympian Leonard Bett finished in a distant fifth in a time of 30:25.8.
In women’s 10km race, Borura ran away with the title in 34:07.4 beating Caren Chebet who crossed the line in second in 34:28.52 with Valentine Jepkoech closing the podium finishers in 34:47.47.
Reigning Africa Junior 3000m bronze medallist Gideon Rono returned from circumcision leave to win the 8km junior men title when he cut the tape in 23:29.6 ahead of Parkesh Gasha who pulled 23:42.4 to come home in second place with Gideon Kipngetich finishing in third in 23:42.4.
In junior women, Janet Jepkoech was the victor in a time of 20:50.6 beating Sharon Chepngetich to second in 21:12.5 and Yvone Chepchirchir finishing in third in 21:20.7.
LEADING RESULTS
10KM SENIOR MEN
- Emmanuel Kiplagat -29:40.7
- Vincent Kipkurui -29:42.2
- Fredrick Domongele – 30:08.8
- Kipsambut Kimakal -30:10.7
- Leonard Bett – 30:25.8
10KM SENIOR WOMEN
- Esther Borura – 34:04.4
- Caren Chebet – 34:28.5
- Valentine Jepkoech -34:47.4
- Agnes Mumbua – 34:53.8
- Beatrice Chepkemoi- 35:03.3
