Beatrice Chebet and Daniel Simiu dominated rich fields to win the respective 10km title during the 12th edition of the National Police Service Cross Country Championships at Ngong’ racecourse on Friday.
Chebet, the world cross country champion and 5,000m world record holder, timed 34:44.85 to win the women’s race.
Gladys Kwamboka was second in 34:47 while world 5000m bronze medallist Margaret Chelimo settled for third in 34:47.50.
Chebet appreciated the competition offered by fellow officers, saying: “It has been a tough race. I had competitive colleagues but I expected to better them.”
“I ended my year (2023) with a 5,000m world record and this is another good boost for me. I am more determined for what is ahead.”
Her immediate mission is to defend the world cross title in Belgrade, Serbia, on March 30.
Kwamboka has her eyes set on the All African Games as well as making her Olympics debut at the Paris Games later in the year.
She aspires to emulate the successes of track queen-turned-marathoner Hellen Obiri, world 3,000m record holder Beatrice Chepkoech, and her conqueror on the day, Chebet.
Kwamboka, who trains in Nanyuki, had to run a calculated race to avoid aggravating tendon and thigh issues that have plagued her career.
Betty Chepkemboi of the General Service Unit (GSU) finished fourth in 34:04.25 ahead of Virginia Nyambura of DCI (35:10.05) and Sheila Chelangat (35:19.06).
Simiu, the World Road Running Championships half marathon silver medallist timed 29:48.49 to win the men’s race ahead of Edwin Kiplagat (30:17.91) and Robert Kiprop (30:43.06).
Simiu credited his success to thorough preparations and God’s guidance.
“I am always ready to run. I take each race as my best, thanks to my hunger for victory,” he said.
