NAIROBI, Kenya, March 1, 2025 – Kenya’s Wilberforce Kones is hopeful that the recent cross country season has prepared him sufficiently for a grueling season ahead in the track and field.
Kones says competing in cross country has opened his eyes to his Achilles heel as well as alerted him to his strengths heading into the new season.
“The cross country season has been quite helpful for me because through that I have prepared for the track and field. It has enabled me know my weaknesses and what I need to work on,” Kones said.
The 31-year-old’s latest cross country competition was at the Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour where he finished 36th after clocking 6:33 in the men’s 2km loop.
He bounced back impressively at the second leg of the Betika Athletics Kenya (AK) Track and Field Weekend meeting in Thika on Saturday afternoon, clocking 9:00.0 to win the men’s 3000m steeplechase.
Samuel Kiprop clocked 9:10.5 to finish second as Brian Kipruto came third after running 9:16.6.
Kones said the day’s result had exceeded his expectations.
“It is a great result that motivates me for the competitions to come. I hadn’t really bet on myself to emerge victorious but all in all, I am happy to have won today,” he said.
In the bigger scheme of things, the victory is the tonic he needs to wash away the disappointment of the past season during which he failed to finish in a number of competitions he failed to make the team for the Paris Olympics in France.
Meanwhile, Commonwealth Games bronze medalist Boniface Mweresa shone in the men’s 100m, timing 10.1 to cross the finish line, ahead of Dennis Mwai (10.2) and Isaac Omurwa (10.2) in second and third respectively.
Mweresa said the race is part of his warm-ups before he goes full steam into his specialty – the men’s 400m.
“I was a bit sore at first but my body picked up gradually and I am excited to emerge victorious today. My aim was to warm myself up with the 100m and 200m, working on my speed before I go back to my usual 400m,” the two-time Olympian said.
Another athlete who was swimming in new waters was Obadiah Kipleting’ who clocked 1:48.4 to win the men’s 800m.
David Toroitich clocked 1:48.7 to clinch second as Dominic Kiptoo timed 1:49.0 to claim third.
Kipleting’ bemoaned the scorching heat and how it had pushed him to the limit.
“Very hot today but I was able to overcome that for the win. It is a good sign to be winning the 800m and quite a great start. I am excited for what is to come especially for the 1500m,” the 1500m specialist said.
In the women’s 800m, Vivian Chebet triumphed after clocking 2:11.0, ahead of Vanice Kerubo (2:13.6) and Jacinta Abese (2:14.0) in second and third respectively.
In the women’s 100m, Millicent Ndoro continued her good showing this year, storming to first place in 11.6, ahead of Kenya Prison’s Esther Mbagari (11.8) and Eunice Kadogo (12.0) in second and third respectively.
