Edwin Bett and Diana Chepkorir clinched the senior men’s and women’s 10kms races as the AK/Betika Cross Country Series concluded in Kisii County on Saturday.
Bett clocked 29:55.8 to win the race at Cardinal Otunga High School, Mosocho.
Running under hot conditions, Bett beat favourite Asbel Kiprop (30:05.6) to second position while Francis Lang’at (30:10.6) was third.
Victor Otieno of Nyanza North was fourth in 30:10.6 while mountain runner Paul Machoka after clocking 30:23.5.
Speaking after the race, Bett who also won the Kapsokwony and finished second in Bomet said: “I want to thank my coach for helping me achieve this feat, it has not been easy. My focus now is on the Police championships. I’m also looking forward to the track season.”
Kiprop who won in Machakos said: “It was a good race but challenging. I will work on speed work because Bett me in the last lap because I ran out of gas.”
In the women’s category KDF’s Chepkorir run a tactical race to win in 33:05.4 beating Janeth Chepkorir in 33:02.8 while Police’s Gladys Kwamboka was third 34:11.8. Local girl Jane Gati finished fourth in 34:23.8.
Joyline Chepkemoi beat Cynthia Chepkurui in a photo finish to win the junior women’s 6kms race. Chekemoi clocked 19:54.1 while Lemotit camp’s Chepkirui finished in 19:54.1 while Diana Chepkemoi also from Lemotit crossed the finishing line in 20:07.7.
Chepkorir said: “It was a tough race under very hostile conditions. However, I’m happy I won the race. It was my first race after being sidelined with an injury. I will continue working hard to make it for the World Cross Country Championships,” she said.
In the men’s 8km race category, Emmanuel Lemiso put in a dominant performance to win the event.
Lemiso clocked 23:56.4 relegating Emmanuel Yegon to second place. Yegon clocked 24:00.8. The third place went to Ronald Ng’etich of Sigowet who finished the race in 24:11.7.
Lemiso who won in Bomet said: “When the series started, I was number 23 but I didn’t lose hope. I’m happy I won in Bomet and Kisii. I’m now looking forward to the season.”
Ronis Chelangat won the 2kms loop race after crossing the finishing line in 6:32.5. She overcame a stiff from Joyce Biwott who clocked 6:37.2 while Mercy Koskei was third in 6:43.1.
In the men’s race, Vincent Keter of Prisons reigned supreme winning in 5:34.3. Justice Kipkoech came home second after clocking 5:36.4 while Solomon Kimutai was third in 5:37.4.
Keter said: “It was a challenging race in very hot conditions. However, it is good preparation as I prepare for the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China,” said Keter.
The event was graced by Athletics Kenya President Jack Tuwei who termed the series successful.