NAIROBI, Kenya, January 4, 2025 – Edwin Bett says he is looking forward to his next race with gusto after a morale-boosting win at the final leg of the Betika Athletics Kenya (AK) Cross Country Series at the Cardinal Otunga High School in Kisii on Saturday.
Bett is scheduled for a 10km road in Germany, next month, where he hopes to carry on his scintillating form from the series.
“My performance has been impressive so…I am happy with the way I have performed. My next race will be in Germany next month where I will compete in 10km Road race. I am optimistic of a good race,” Bett said.
The runner was heads-and-shoulders above his competition as he cruised to victory in the senior men’s 10km, clocking 29:55:8 in first place.
Asbel Kiprono clocked 30:05:6 to finish second as Francis Langat who took the final podium place after timing 30:10:6.
It was Bett’s third podium place finish in the series, following his win at the second leg in Kapsokwony where he clocked 30:20:12 before finishing second at the fourth leg of the competition in Bomet, after running 32:33:73.
It is a record that fills him with joy as he recollects.
“I am very happy with the way I have run today and thank God for the win today. Not only today but also in Kapsokwony where I won and in Bomet where I finished second,” he said.
Chepkorir crowned women’s best
In the senior women’s 10km, Diana Chepkorir followed up on her first win at the first leg of the series in Machakos with victory in Kisii.
Chepkorir clocked 33:05:4 to cut the tape, ahead of Janeth Chepngetich (33:32:8) and Gladys Kwamboka (34:11:8) who came second and third respectively.
Chepkorir is hopeful that the win bodes well for her upcoming track and field season.
“I am very hopeful going into the track and field season. I couldn’t have asked for a better start to the year than this…to win here in Kisii after I did so at Machakos as well. I am looking forward to a great track and field season,” she said.
Also smiling all the way home was Emmanuel Lemiso who triumphed in the Under 20 men’s 8km, clocking 23:56:4.
Emmanuel Yegon timed 24:00:8 to claim second whereas Ronald Ngetich crossed the finish line in third after clocking 24:11:7.
Lemiso has his eyes trailed on the National School Games where he hopes the experience garnered in the series will come in handy.
“My next focus is on the National School Games where I want to win the boys’ 3000m steeplechase. Today was a great day for me and I thank my coach Charles Ngau for how hard he has prepared me for this win,” the youngster said.
Chepkemoi’s comeback win
In the Under 20 women’s 6km, Joyline Chepkemoi began the year on a strong note after previous injury woes, clocking 19:54:1 to claim top honour.
Cynthia Chepkurui clocked 19:54:2 to finish second while Diana Chepkemoi came third in 20:07:7.
Meanwhile, the 2021 World Under 20 1500m champion Vincent Keter cruised to victory in the men’s 2km loop, clocking 5:34:3.
Justice Byegon came second in 5:36:4 as Solomon Kimutai claimed third after timing 5:37:4.
In the women’s 2km loop, Ronis Chelangat clocked 6:32:5 to cross the finish line first, ahead of Joyce Biwot (6:37.2) and Mercy Koskei (6:43.1) in second and third respectively.
Focus shifts to the regional and county championships, culminating in the National Cross Country Championships on February 8.
