Commonwealth marathon champion Cheyech, Kipkoech rule 10km race in the Kass International marathon

Isaac Kipkoech, winner-10km-race

Commonwealth marathon champion Flomena Cheyech and little-known Isaac Kipkoech won the eight Kass International marathon 10km run.

Cheyech, a Uasin Gishu based runner, proved that her Glasgow Commonwealth Games shows was no fluke as she blew away a classy line up that had former world 5,000m silver medalist Sylvia Kibet and her younger kid Valentine Kibet.

Cheyech, who comes from West Pokot County and having made the national team to several world cross-country teams, exhibited top form in the newly introduced track starlets like Kibet and former world junior 5,000m bronze medalist Alice Aprot.              

She left no chances as she fired her way to victory in 33:15:5 ahead of Kibet who checked in second after stopping the clock in 33:54:12 as Aprot sealed the podium places in 33:59:5.

Lilian Cheruto (34:10:2) and Rebecca Chesir (34:30:8) came fourth and fifth respectively.

Rose Chelimo (34:42:5), Helah Tirop (34:45:2), Susan Tanui (34:45:8), Valentine Kibet (34:14:3) and Viola Yator (35:27:2) complete the thin list of top ten winners.

Cheyech, who expects a bumper marathon 2015 season, draws inspiration from her Glasgow exploits and intends to make her entry into the World Marathon Majors.

“Now that I am off season, I need to remain in shape ahead of world marathon majors begins next year March in Tokyo and this is the best preparations ahead of heavy task. Winning this race is a God-given gift after competing world leading athletes,” said Cheyech, who is managed by Italian track and field agent Gianni Demadonna.

In the men’s front, road race specialist Kipkoech blasted off from a forest of legs to claim the men’s 10km honours.

Flomena-Cheyech,winner-10km-race

The Kericho-based runner unleashed his powerful kicks to outfox close rivals Joseph Kitur and Peter Limo breezing the tape in 29:51:8.

Kipkoech, 23, stood out as the only sub 30-minute runner in the race.

Basking in 62.16 21km best mark set at Malcon half marathon, Kipkoech said he will do all at his disposal to pick the bragging rights to IAAF World cross-country gala in China next year.

“I have never represented the country in world championships but I will try my level best to make the team to world cross country championships in china. It will be my great pleasure,” said Kipkoech.

Kitur returned second in 33:01:3 while Limo (30:07:2) and Amos Kiplagat (30:08:9) checked in third and fourth respectively.

Philip Koech wound up in fifth in 30:09:4 as Justus Kangogo sealed the top six finishers in 30:12:3.

Nicholas Kipkemoi (30:16:4), David Tarus (30:18:00), Emmanuel Chirchir (30:18:7) and Dominic Sugut (30:32:8) completed the top ten prize awardees.