Jackeline Chelal is keen on winning the Eldoret City Marathon set for April 10 in Eldoret.
Chelal finished third at last year's edition and after winning the 8km senior women title at the inaugural Community Cross Country at the Eldoret Sports Club, she said she feels she is ready for another stab at the ultimate distance.
“My target is to improve on my position at the Eldoret City. I have been training well in readiness for this competitive race,” said Chelal.
Last year, she was third in 2:29.47, behind winner Mercy Kipchumba (2:28.10) and Judith Korir (2:28.31).
At Sunday's cross country, organised by Oak Tree Centre for Kidney and Chronic Diseases, Chelal timed 27:47.8 to clinch the title ahead of Sheila Chepkirui (28:33.6) and Rebecca Chebolei (28:56.7).
Wesley Kimutai won the men’s 8km title in 23:34.6 ahead of Shadrack Chesang (23:36.3) while Meshack Lelegut was third in 23:38.7.
Amos Kibet and Winnie Cheptarus were the 6km junior men and women winners. Kibet timed 18:12.3 to clinch the title as Sammy Kipkurui (18:54.0) and Godwin Marus (19:04.5) trailed him.
Cheptarus timed 21:16.3 ahead of Stella Asipitar (24.07.3) and Caroline Kiptoo (25:45.6).
Oak Tree Centre director Mathew Koech said more corporates should support young talents to safeguard the country's future in athletics.
“I would like to urge corporates to think along this line because we have many athletes in this region and they would always benefit especially after the Covid-19 pandemic, which left most of these athletes helpless,” said Koech.
