ELDORET, Kenya, February 8, 2025 – Baringo youngster Kelvin Kiprop stormed to victory in the Under 20 men’s 8km race at the Betika National Cross Country Championships at the Eldoret Sports Club on Saturday afternoon.
The youngster clocked 24:57.4 to cross the finish line first ahead of Frankline Kibet (24:59.3) and South Rift’s Emmanuel Lemiso (25:00.0) in second and third respectively.
Kiprop admitted he did not fancy himself for the win in which he surged forward in the last lap to claim victory.
“I thank God for today’s win because it was not easy. I was not expecting to emerge victorious today considering the type of competition that was in the start list today,” he said.
The 17-year-old was a mainstay of the recently concluded Athletics Kenya (AK) Betika Cross Country Series where he bagged top honours in Iten and Ol Kalou.
Cherono cruises to glory
In the Under 20 women’s race, Lorna Cherono clocked 21:11.7 to emerge victorious, ahead of Africa Under 18 1500m silver medalist Joyline Chepkemoi (2:15.6) and Cynthia Chepkirui (21:21.1) in second and third respectively.
The Magnolia Athletics Camp runner raised her hands to the sky in gratitude to her Maker, thanking Him for the victory.
“The competition was very tough…up until the last 200m, it was very difficult to know who was going to be the winner. I am very happy and I thank God for today’s result,” the AIC Cheptonon Secondary School student said.
The two winners went home Ksh 140,000 richer, with the second and third placed finishers collecting Ksh 90,000 and Ksh 70,000 respectively.
