OL KALOU, Kenya, December 14 – Kevin Kiprop continued his hot streak in the ongoing Betika Athletics Kenya (AK) Cross Country Series when he won the Under 20 men’s 8km race in Ol Kalou on Saturday morning.
The youngster timed 26:12.2 to cross the finish line first as Silas Senchura finished second in 26:23.3.
In third place was Evans Kipkosgei of Sinoin Camp who timed 26:34.5.
Speaking after the win, Kiprop described it as a tip of the iceberg, promising to aim higher in the upcoming season.
“I won’t be resting much over the Christmas period but will continue preparing for the next leg in Kisii. I am hoping to be in contention for a place in Team Kenya to the World Championships; that’s where my mind is at,” he said.
It was the youngster’s second win in this year’s series, following the third leg in Iten where he clocked 24:24.26 to cut the tape.
He attributed it to hard work in training and a champion’s mentality.
“I have just been working hard in training, listening to my coach and believing in myself. I also thank God for the far he has brought me this season. It was quite an enjoyable but tough race. After the second lap, I felt that my body was responding well and so I decided to go for the win. It has been a season to be proud of, for me,” the Iten-based athlete said.
A proud fighter
Despite missing out on the top prize, Sentura was proud of how far he has come this season.
The youngster began his cross country series on a high, clocking 25:27.42 to win the Under 20 men’s 8km at the first leg of the competition in Machakos in October.
He then dropped three places down to fourth at the third leg in Iten before making amends with second place in Ol Kalou.
“The race today was very tough because it is a course I am not used to. The hilly part was particularly a very big challenge for me but I thank God for the victory. After Iten, I went back to training to work on my speed and I will continue to improve on that as I look forward to the new season,” Sentura said.
