Show of class as Chepsaita produces new champions

The scenic course of the The Great Chepsaita Cross Country Run (gold level) gave rise to new champions in its second edition, on Saturday.

Expectations were high and athletics stars produced thrilling performances on one of the challenging courses.

Elite athletes never gave room for disappointment in the event staged at Chepkemel Dispensary grounds located on Chepsaita Hill in Uasin Gishu County.

Athletes from the neighbouring Uganda and Ethiopia challenged Kenyan big shots for the title, at home.

The 10km senior men’s race was a Kenyan affair. Samuel Chebolei, a former national and inaugural winner of Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country ran a spectacular race, winning the contest in 30:49.

Chebolei was followed by Robert Kiprop, the winner of Athletics Kenya Iten Cross Country weekend meet who stopped the timer in 30:58.

The cross country and track athlete displayed brilliance from the start, running the opening loop in 6:02 in a race where he changed leads with Kiprop, many times.

A leading pack of six athletes including the podium finishers stuck together until the third lap when they split into two.

“It was a good competition because the event attracted international athletes. After the third lap, the three of us pulled away,” Chebolei said.

Mathew Kipruto came in third in 31:12 and Kiplimo Naibei (31:22), who finished fourth at his year’s Sirikwa Classic finished fourth

Loice Chekwemoi of Uganda tore the rule book, winning the women’s 10km elite senior race, defeating Ethiopian Molla Mekides in a grueling afternoon catfight.

Chekwemoi clocked 34:32 for the crown, leaving Mekides (35:57) settling for a distant second place in the tough battle for glory.

The Ugandan star controlled the proceedings, leading from gun to finish, in a rare show of both physical and mental strength.

She produced a steady pace, completing the first 2km loop in 6:43, the second in a strong 6:51 and followed that with 6:51 and tactically slowed down in an easy last lap (6:58).

“I couldn’t believe I could win in the home of champions but when I was running I told myself that I am also a champion. I am working hard to ensure that I am a world champion next year. I had to be tough to be a champion. I saw myself moving in the second loop. I want to thank the spectators for cheering,” an ambitious Chekwemoi, who represented Uganda at the 2024 World Cross Country Championships in Belgrade, said after the win.

Athletes had a feel of challenging hills and an artificial road on the course designed to give stars and enthusiasts a spectacular view of Kakamega, Nandi and Uasin Gishu from Chepsaita.

The junior men’s 8km clash started on a high note with big shots showing their mettle.

Michael Kibet dominated the lead in the second loop before World Under-20 5000m champion Andrew Kiptoo Alamisi stepped to the front, but Alamisi, who already has this season’s Kapsokwony Athletics Kenya Cross Country title under his belt took the lead in the third lap but was overpowered by Kevin Kiprop, the winner of Iten Cross Country on November 2.

The junior men reproduced the script that they played at the Iten contest last month, and Alamisi lost to Kiprop once again.

Kiprop took the first position in 24:37 while Alamisi came in second in a time of 24:54. Edwin Sanutia closed the junior men’s 4-lap competition in 25:22.

“I knew Alamisi was strong and I stuck with him from the early stages of the cross country race. I pulled away from the third lap and I sustained the pace all the way to the finish,” Kiprop said after his win.

Cynthia Chepkurui took the elite women’s junior crown. She claimed victory in 21:17 ahead of Yvonne Chepkosgei (21:43) and Joyline Chepkemoi (21:50) who settled for second and third places respectively.

A park of six junior women pulled through the second lap in the hotly contested 6km race.

“The course was the most challenging. When I go back to my training camp, I will focus my attention on hill work,” Chepkurui, said.