Inaugural Chepsaita Cross Country winners Ishmael Kipkurui and Ednah Jebitok have revealed their next course of action, the 2024 World Cross Country Championships in Belgrade, Serbia, and the Paris Olympic Games in France.
Kipkurui, 18, was the surprise winner of Saturday's race, edging past renown runners including Daniel Simiu,the World Road Running half marathon silver medalist and Reuben Longosiwa, a former Africa under 20 5,000m bronze medallist.
“I came here on Friday to test this course and I realised how tough it is. I walked on it and I had to do my calculations on how to negotiate it,” said Kipkurui.
Kipkurui won the 8km senior men's race in 23:16.2 ahead of Edwin Bett (23:21.4) and Fredrick Domangole (23:24.0).
“The course was tough and very competitive since there were no flat areas. All in all, I am glad I won the race,” said Kipkorir
Former Africa under 20 1,500m silver medallist Ednah Jebitok won the 8km senior women's race, which she said is part of her training for the Cross Internacional de Venta de Banos in Spain on December 17.
She clocked 26:16.7 ahead of Cynthia Chepngeno (26:21.0) and Janeth Chepngetich (26:58.0)
“I am training very hard as I target to make Team Kenya to the World Cross Country Championships as well as the rest of the track season," said Jebitok.
World cross country bronze medallist Pamela Kosgei won the 5km junior women's race in 16:09.0 followed by Diana Chepkemoi 16:13.4 and Mercy Jepkemoi (16:14.6).
Kosgei, the younger sister of former world marathon record holder Brigid Kosgei, is also the Africa under 20 5,000m champion.
Charles Rotich topped the junior men's race in 18:55.5 followed by Mathew Kipkoech (19:08.3) and Simon Maiywa (19:11.3).
There were also 500m, 1km, and 2km races for junior runners whose high turnout left Athletics Kenya (AK) President Jack Tuwei delighted.
"I am a very happy man. We wouldn't want these kids to run for longer distances. There is a law to ensure they run the right races and the right distances," said the World Athletics vice president.
