Jebitok, Kiprop target World Cross Country Tour slot

World under 18 1,500m silver medalist Ednah Jebitok has set her focus at the inaugural Agnes Tirop World Cross Country Gold Tour set to be held in Eldoret next year.

The race set for February 12 at the Lobo Resort grounds and Jebitok wants to secure her slot on the invites' list by performing well in the Athletics Kenya Cross Country series.

“I am trying to run in as many cross country meetings in Kenya as I seek to get an opportunity to fly the Kenyan flag at home, again,” said Jebitok.

Speaking in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County after winning the second leg of Athletics Kenya cross country championships on Saturday, the Form Three student at Cheptonon Secondary School in Nandi County said she had a good experience at the concluded Olympic Games and will be using that experience going forward.

“I had little preparation since I am now preparing for my examination but once I get quality time, I will do my best for the slot,” said Jebitok, a former world under 20 1,500m champion.

She defeated Isiolo’s Kenya Defence Forces runner Purity Komen and former All Africa Games 10,000m champion Alice Aprot. Jebitok clocked 32:20.3, Komen timed 32:24.9 while Aprot returned 33:20.2.

Male winner Robert Kiprop is another athlete who will be chasing a slot for the World Cross country tour.

Kiprop edged former world cross country junior silver medalist Titus Mbishei for the title.

In the junior races, Shadrack Kipchirchir won the men’s 8km title with Zena Jeptoo winning the junior women 6km.

Kipchirchir won in 28:04.04 ahead of David Kipkurui (23:30.5) and Josephat Kipkorir (23:47.8). Jeptoo won in 19:46.2 followed by Faith Jepngetich (20:11.1) and Riana Jepkemoi in 20:15.0.

10km Senior men

1. Robert Kiprop- 29:11.07
2. Titus Mbishei- 29:20.6
3. Kelvin Kibiwott- 29:28.1
4. Albert Tanui- 29:32.5
5. Evans Kipkemoi- 29:32.7

10km Senior women

1. Ednah Jebitok- 32:20.3
2. Purity Komen- 32:24.9
3. Alice Aprot- 33:20.2
4. Phylis Yano- 33:32.2
5. Agnes Jebet Ngetich- 33:50.3

8km Junior men

1. Shadrack Kipchirchir- 23:04.04
2. David Kipkurui- 32:24.9
3. Josephat Kikorir-23:47.8
4. Felix Korir- 23:50.1
5. Brian Kiptoo- 23:51.9

5km Under 18

1. Maurine Jepkoech- 14:104
2. Marion Jepng’etich- 14:11.5
3. Judith Jeruto- 14:30.3
4. Christine Chesire- 14:38.6
5. Damaries Jepkemoi- 14:42.1

6km Under 18

1. Mathew Kipkoech- 17:37.9
2. Simon Maiyo- 17:53.5
3. Gilbert Kiprotich- 17:53.8
4. Kibet Ndiwa- 17:57.0
5. Vincent Maiyo- 18:03.9