•The event, presided over by the Education Principal Secretary, Belio Kipsang, was used to select the team for the ISF Championships planned for May at the Ngong Race Course in Nairobi.
•The Under-18 boys’ 5.5km race was a titanic battle that was eventually edged by Rift Valley’s Phanuel Kipkosgei after clocking 16:20.4
Image: SAMUEL SIMITI
Phanuel Kipkosgei and Joyline Chepkemoi braved the hot weather conditions to win the Under-18 5.5km race at the International Schools Federation (ISF) Cross Country Championships national trials at the Nakuru High School grounds.
The event, presided over by the Education Principal Secretary, Belio Kipsang, was used to select the team for the ISF Championships planned for May at the Ngong Race Course in Nairobi.
The Under-18 boys’ 5.5km race was a titanic battle that was eventually edged by Rift Valley’s Phanuel Kipkosgei after clocking 16:20.4. In second place was Eastern region's Nelson Simiren who timed 16:21.1 as Central's Bavin Muthii clocked 16:33.7 in third.
The Kimoron Boys High School student is intent on making amends on home soil after missing out on the podium at his previous international assignment – Africa Under 18 Championships in Ndola, Zambia.
"I want to go there and win gold for the country. It will be my second time competing internationally, having competed at the Africa Under 18 championships last year in Zambia," Kipkosgei said.
He added: “On that occasion, I failed to get a medal because I did not have any experience to compete at the international level. I believe I have now requisite experience to fight for a medal and I know a podium place is possible.”
In women, Chepkemoi from Cheptonon High School in Nandi managed to shade off top runners to win the title in 10:56.8 ahead of Sheila Chepngeno and Miriam Chemtai to book the ticket to wear the national colours for the first time.
Image: EMMANUEL SABUNI
Joyline Chepkemoi excelled in the Under 18 girls’ 3.3km race after timing 10:58.5 – ahead of Mirriam Chemtai (10:59.3) and Dorcas Chepkwemoi (11:01.6) in second and third respectively.
Chepkemoi is hopeful of clinching a medal at the World Schools Cross Country Championships in what will be her third international event for Kenya.
“I was part of Team Kenya at the World Cross Country Championships last year as well as the Africa Under-20 Championships in Zambia. This time I promise my fellow countrymen and women that I will work hard to bring gold to the country,” she said.
In the under-12 boys’ race, Kabiyet Secondary student Ezron Kimurgor powered his way to the finish line in 03:34.0 as Uasin Gishu’s Benjamin Shikuku took second place in 03:39.3. Nyanza’s Dominic Nyambuto finished third in 03:41.6.
In the under 15 girls’ 2.2km race, it was a memorable day for Rift Valley’s Faith Jeptum as she timed 07:14.3 to book her place. She crossed the finish line ahead of Nakuru’s Jane Nangari (07:16.0) and Sandra Chepchumba of Kericho (07:17.5) in second and third respectively.
“I enjoyed the race…I came here expecting to win and fought hard for the victory. I was also in action at the Sirikwa Classic early in the year but compared to today’s race, I’d say this one was much more enjoyable and easy,” the Sinonin Secondary School student said.
The 14-year-old is looking forward to meeting her peers from other parts of the world and most importantly, to clinch her first career medal.
“I am looking forward to participating in the championships and doing well. I know there are other runners from around the world and it will be a memorable moment to compete among them,” the 14-year-old said.
Elgeyo Marakwet’s Benson Kilongosi led a clean podium sweep for Rift Valley in the under-15 boys' 3.3km race, clocking 10:01.4. Baringo’s Peter Lumoryon claimed second place after timing 10:13.0 as another Elgeyo Marakwet native, Dennis Kiprop, took third in 10:18.0.
The Form Two student at Kimoron Boys High School described his delight at the prospect of making his debut for Team Kenya at the global championships.
“I have been competing in the regional championships since Form One. This year, I finished fourth in the regional championships and now I have come here and won. I am looking forward to winning a medal for the World Schools Cross Country Championships and I thank God for the far he has brought me,” Kilongosi said.
Boys
Under 12 (1.1km)
Ezron KKimurgor (Kabiyet) 3:34.0
Benjamin Shikuku (Cheptil) 3:39.3
Dominic Nyabuto (Machongo) :41.6
Joshua Cherobo (Chepteru) 3:43.0
Edwin Odinga (Namagara) 3:43.3
Under 15 (3.3km)
Benson Kilongosi (Kimuron) 10:01.4
Peter Lumoryon (Sinonin) 10:13.0
Dennis Kiprop (Iten) 10:18.0
Solomon Kiprono (Rotuga) 10:41.7
Dan Kibet (Kimobo) 10:50.8
Under 18 (5.5km)
Phanuel Kipkosgei (Kimuron) 16:20.4
Nelson Simiren (Ndumbi) 16:21.1
Bavin Muthii (Irigithathi) 16:33.7
Kelvin Kiprop (Sinonin) 16:40.0
Bernard Kikumbi (Ndumbi) 16:44.0
Girls
Under 12 years (1.1km)
Dorcas Chelagat (Ketetet) 3:46.0
Belinda Chepkorir (Cheptoror) 3:46.6
Joyline Cherotich (Togo) 3:48.2
Sheila Chepkosgei (katerit) 3:50.0
Mitchel Chebet (Katelilo) 3:52.2
Under 15 (2.2km)
Faith Jeptum (Sinonin) 7:14.3
Jane Nangari (Kiangogo) 7:16.0
Sandra Chepchumba (Sugotek) 7:17.5
Gloria Chelimo (Kimwogo) 7:20.1
Hazel Kipyegon (kalyet) 7:21.8
Under 18 (3.3km)
Joyline Chepkemoi (Cheptonon) 10:56.8
Sheila Chepngeno (Bishop Louis) 10:58.5
Miriam Chemtai (Saramek) 10:59.3
Dorcas Chepkwemoi (Kogit) 11:01.6
Mary Nyaboke (Keberesi) 11:06.4