Brilliant Bett, Chepkorir rule Kisii Cross-Country

Athletes in action during the final leg of the Betika/Athletics Kenya Cross Country series at the Cardinal Otunga High School, Kisii on Saturday. [Sammy Omingo, Standard]

Edwin Bett claimed his second victory in the sixth and final leg of the Betika/Athletics Kenya Cross Country series at the Cardinal Otunga High School, Kisii on Saturday.

Bett tore through the challenging course to clock 29:55.8, outpacing Asbel Kiprono (30:05.6) and Francis Langat (30:10.6) to bag his second series win.

This triumph adds to his dominant display in Kapsokwony during the second leg on October 26, 2024, where he crossed the finish line in 30:20.12, with Simon Maywa (30:47.86) and Naibei Kiplimo (30:43.41) completing the podium then.

Bett was elated after his latest victory.

"I won in Kapsokwony and finished second in Bomet and now I have won again," Bett said.

In Bomet, Bett had clocked 32:33.73 to finish second behind World 10,000m silver medallist Daniel Ebenyo (32:25.29).

Now, Bett shifts focus to a 10km road race in Germany in February.

"I’m satisfied with my performance so far. My next race will be in German in February where I will compete in a 10km Road race," he added.

In the women’s 10km race, Diana Chepkorir cruised to victory in 33:05.4, with Janeth Chepngetich (33:32.8) and Gladys Kwamboka (34:11.8) following closely.

Chepkorir was delighted with her form heading into the 2025 track season.

"This is a good build up for me, this is my second victory in the series, after winning Machakos. I’m looking forward to a good season on track," she noted.

Emmanuel Lemiso proved unstoppable in the Under-20 men’s 8km race, clocking 23:56.4 to claim victory ahead of Emmanuel Yegon (24:00.8) and Ronald Ngetich (24:11.7).

Grateful for the support from his coach Charles Ngau and his parents, Lemiso said, "I was confident of victory today, and I thank God, my coach, and my parents for their support."

The Form Two student is now targeting the National School Games, where he will compete in the 3,000m steeplechase.

"My target is to participate in the school games in the 3000m steeplechase," he added.

Yegon, who trains in Bomet, was pleased with his runner-up finish despite the harsh wind conditions.

"The race today was good despite the harsh wind conditions but I am thankful for the second place finish," he noted.

Joyline Chepkemoi clocked 19:54.1 to claim victory in the women's 6km Under-20 race.

Cynthia Chepkurui (19:54.2) and Diana Chepkemoi (20:07.7) completed the podium.

Vincent Keter clocked 5:34.3 to claim victory in the men's 2km loop race ahead of Justice Byegon (5:36.4) and Solomon Kimutai (5:37.4).

In the women's race, Ronis Chelangat (6:32.5), Joyce Biwot (6:37.2) and Mercy Koskei (6:43.1) claimed the podium.

AK president Jack Tuwei lauded the success of the series, attributing it to increased prize money and Betika’s sponsorship.

"The increase in prize money has been well received by the athletes, and their performances have been exceptional," Tuwei said.

He further praised Betika’s role in supporting both cross-country and track events.

"We are happy that after a long while we have a partner and sponsor that has agreed to come in to support us in sponsoring this cross country event as well as the track events this season," he added.

Looking ahead, Tuwei urged athletes to ensure timely registration and early collection of bib numbers.

"We want everyone who will take part in the AK meets to ensure they register earlier and collect their bibs a day before the event," he noted.