WORLD cross silver medallist Bidan Karoki yesterday secured his first victory at the Discovery Cross Country after three consecutive attempts.
With former Africa 10,000m champion Wilson Kiprop absent and reigning world cross champion Geoffrey Kamworor crashing out of the race, Karoki had a field day, calling the shots from gun to tape.
Other pre-race favourites, three-time world 1500m guru Asbel Kiprop and former world cross country silver medallist Clement Lagat were no match for Karoki won the race in 28:52.7, beating Clement to second place in 29:15.4. Stanley Koech closed the podium in 29:33.4. David Kiplimo (29:34.9), Charles Kibet (29:37.8) and Hosea Mwok Macharinyang (29:39.9) completed the top six places.
It was, however, Asbel who led in the first 2km before Kamworor and Karoki responded with a higher pace, forcing the world 1,500m champion to drop out at the 4km mark, citing chest pain. Karoki and Kamworor led the onslaught, running shoulder to shoulder for about 2km before the former opened a 50m gap, again forcing his rival to drop out. “I felt stomach stitches after running for 7km. But I am okay since this was part of my preparation,” Kamworor said.
Karoki said, “My intention is to run at the world half marathon and I believe I will perform well. This meet gives me an opportunity to build up on my speed and endurance.”
The senior women’s 8km race, Violah Chepchumba snatched the race despite competing against heavyweights. The race attracted world marathon silver medallist Hela Kiprop, world steeplechase champion Hyvin Kiyeng, Jemimah Sumgong and former Olympic Youth 3000m champion Gladys Chesir.
Chepchumba, who is the Udine Half Marathon champion, clocked 25:56.46 to win the race ahead of Chesir (25:56.48) and Cynthia Limo (26:02.85).
Hela finished fourth in 26:08.34 followed by Sumgong (2616.29) and Kiyieng (26:25.76).
The women’s 6km race, little known Roselinda Jepketer shook off Sandra Chebet to win the race in 20:25.64 . Sandra clocked 20:26.22 for second place while Norah Jeruto placed third in 25:30.01. Mathew Kiptanui won the 8km race in 23:21.12 followed by Isaac Kipsang (23:22.6) and Rodgers Kwemoi (23:34.9).