Reline and Chelimo rule Discovery x-country, eye Olympic debuts

Catherine Reline and upstart Cornelius Kemboi have set their focus at both the World Cross Country Championships and the Paris Olympic Games.

The duo spoke after conquering the 33rd edition of Discovery Kenya Cross Country championships held at the Eldoret Sports Club on Sunday.

Reline, World Road Running Half Marathon bronze medallist, won the 8km senior women's title in 26:31.5, just two weeks after winning the Athletics Kenya North Rift cross country tile.

Reline, who is based in Kapsait, was delighted to go a step better after finishing second last year.

“Today’s race was quite tough going by the tough competition. It was great to win after finishing second last year despite falling at the finish line. We had a crowded field which is good for us as we target the World Cross Country slots,” said Reline.

After missing the 2023 World championships in Budapest, Hungary, despite qualifying, Reline promised to take her chances this time round.

“I was ejected from Team Kenya due to lack of experience but I want to prove that I have what it takes to represent the country,” she said.

The 2019 world 5,000m silver medalist Margaret Chelimo and Glorious Jepkurui followed in respective times of 26:47.1 and 26:51.9.

Chelimo said windy conditions affected her rhythm but was grateful for a second-place finish as well as clock some mileage as she prepares for the Olympic Games.

“I have never been to the Olympic Games and I would like to make the team this time round,” she said.

Kemboi clocked 29:24.2 to win the men's race ahead of Kelvin Kibiwott (29:41.4) and Gideon Kiprotich (29:51.6).

Ivy Chepchirchir won the 6km junior women's race in 20.22.6, followed by Maureen Chepkeoch (20:56.3) and Joyline Jepkemboi (21:12.7).

Matthew Kipkoech was the winner in the 8km junior men's race after cutting the tape in 24:40.3 ahead of Peter Muturi (24:46.9) and Victor Kipruto ( 24:52.8).

Selected results

6km junior women

1. Ivy jepchirchir-20:22.6
2. Maureen Jepkoech-20:50.3
3. Joyline Jepkemoi-21:12.7
4. Nivera Chepkemoi-21:15.5
5. Juddy Chepkoech-21:23.4
6. Damaris Cherono-21:32.1
7. Prudence Kurui-21:47.7
8. Vivian Cherotich-21:48.9
9. Brenda jepchirchir-21:50.2
10. Lucy Chelele-21:52.6

8km junior men

1. Matthew Kipkoech- 24:40.3
2. Peter Muturi- 24:46.9
3. Victor Kipruto- 24:52.8
4. Linus Kipkemboi- 24:58.3
5. Gideon Kiplimo- 25:04.9
6. Desmond Chepkoser-25:08.4
7. Robert Kiptanui- 25:13.4
8. Meshack Koech- 25:13.9
9. Noel kipkorir- 25:14.8
10. Yonah Kimutai-25:16.0

8km senior women

1. Catherine reline-26:31.5
2. Margaret Chelimo Kipkemboi-26:47.1
3. Glorious Jepkurui-26:51.9
4. Christine Chesiro-27:17.3
5. Betty Jepkemboi-27:23.6
6. Emily Jepkemoi-27:28.1
7. Gladys KJoech-27:38.5
8. Vivian Jerotich-27:41.6
9. Vivian Melly- 27:43.6
10. Caroline Jeptanui- 27:46.5

10km senior men

1. Cornelius Kemboi-29:42.2
2. Kelvin Kibiwott-29:41.4
3. Gideon Kiprotich-29:59.6
4. Kipkurui Biwott-30:11.9
5. Nicholas Kipchirchir-30:27.4
6. Hillary Kipkurui-30:30.7
7. Philip tarus-30:34.430:32.4
8. Richard Kimunyan-30:34.4
9. Eliud Muchiri-30:39.4
10. Raymond Kipkoech-30:43.9