Bernard Kimeli and Joan Chelimo are aiming to cut the tape in North Rift regional cross country championships on Saturday. The duo will be battling to represent North Rift at the national cross country in Nairobi next month.
In an interview yesterday, the two who have been training in Iten, said they are well prepared for a clash with their counterparts from Uasin Gishu, Trans Nzoia, Turkana, Baringo, Samburu and West Pokot in Kapenguria. Kimeli clocked 29:19:2 while Chelimo ran 32:18:4 to clinch the 10km titles in Iten last week and will represent Elgeyo Marakwet in the regional
show tomorrow.
Kimeli led a pack of his Iten training compatriots Josphat Tanui, Evans Kurui and Titus Kipkosgei after the 2km lap. At 6km, the race turned tight as Kimeli, who recorded his best, 27:10 in the 2017 Prague 10Km marathon and Tanui broke away from the pack. Tanui crossed the finish line second in 29:20:4. “I need to improve my speed in the regional competitions because I will be setting my eyes on participating in the Africa Cross Country championships,” Kimeli said.
Chelimo faced a stiff competition from two time Zurich Marato de Barcelona champion Valerie Ayiabei. Aiyabei, who is also the 2015 Kass Marathon winner had taken the lead at 4.5km but was overpowered by the road race queen Chelimo 2km later. Chelimo, however, maintained a 20m lead over Aiyabei at homestretch.