By Lubulwa Edrine
Ugandan teenager, Loice Chekwemoi and Kenya’s Samwel Chebolei Masai headlined the Great Chepsaita Cross Country yesterday Saturday, December 7th 2024, in Uasin Gishu country, Kenya as they won Gold.
In the senior women’s race, Uganda’s Chekwemoi surprised the home favourites when she clocked 0:34:32 to cross the finish line first. Ethiopia’s Shimeles Molla clocked 0:35:37 to claim second position as Kenya’s Celestine Biwot finished third on 0:36:43 time.
The winner was delighted to have triumphed at the ‘home of champions’, adding that this was a moment to savour for many years in her career.
“I thank God, my coach and management. Today was really tough and I did not expect to come and win in the home of champions. This is very special. When I was running, I told myself that I am also a champion and encouraged myself to fight for it,” she said.
In the senior men’s category Samwel Chebolei Masai clocked 0:30:49 to cut the tape, ahead of Robert Kiprop (0:30:58) and Matthew Kipruto (0:31:12) in second and third respectively.
The Japan-based long distance runner conceded the competition had brought out the best of him and hoping to don Team Kenya singlet at the World Championships in Tokyo.
The closing event was graced by Kenya Deputy President, Kithure Kindiki who exalted the broader perspective of the competition, which is to enhance educational opportunities for destitute children through scholarships.
Leading results
Senior women (10km)
1 Loice Chekwemoi (UGA) 34:32
2 Shimeles Mekides Molla (ETH) 35:57
3 Celestine Biwot (KEN) 36:43
4 Jerono Daisilah (KEN) 36:53
5 Sylylvia Nyoka Yego (KEN) 37:24
Senior men (10km)
1 Samwel Chebolei Masai (KEN) 30:49
2 Robert Koech Kiprop (KEN) 30:58
3 Mathew Kipkoech Kipruto (KEN) 31:12
4 Naibei Kiplimo (KEN) 31:22
5 Charles Rotich (KEN) 31:23
U20 women (6km)
1 Cynthia Chepkurui (KEN) 21:17
2 Yvonne Jepchirchir Chepkoskei (KEN) 21:43
3 Joyline Chepkemoi (KEN) 21:50
4 Alice Chemtai Loitasia (KEN) 21:59
5 Claire Cheruto (KEN) 22:04
U20 men (8km)
1 Kevin Biwott Kiprop (KEN) 24:37
2 Andrew Kiptoo Alamisi (KEN) 24:54
3 Edwin Sanutia (KEN) 25:22
4 Cornelius Kipkosgei (KEN) 25:38
5 Ezekiel Kwemei (KEN) 25:40
