Fredrick Kipkoech Chebii extended his ruthless form on the Athletics Kenya (AK) Cross Country Series circuit, storming to a second consecutive victory at the second leg held today at Moi Girls High School, Kamusinga, in Bungoma County.
Chebii, who trains in Iten, followed up his triumph at the opening leg in Machakos two weeks ago with another commanding performance.
In Kimilili, Chebii saw off a strong challenge from reigning Africa Cross Country champion Kevin Chesang to claim victory in 28:53 as Chesang timed 29:00.
Kennedy Cheruiyot rounded off the podium clocking 29:05.
Chebii attributed his latest victory to a return to focused training after his Machakos triumph, saying he had stepped up his workload in preparation for the Bungoma showdown.
“My training has been good after winning in Machakos. After that, I came together with my coach, improved my training and the results have been good. At the same time, after winning in Machakos, I went for loading and that has helped in securing back-to-back victories here,” said Chebii.
Chesang, who also holds the national cross country title and won the 10,000m at this year’s Kip Keino Classic, revealed that he was still recovering from a nagging knee injury but remained determined to retain his African title.
“The race was good and I did prepare very well. As an African champion, I want to try and defend my title. At the same time, I want to try my best to do well in the next event,” said Chesang.
Cheruiyot, on the other hand, revealed he battled knee problems ahead of the race.
“I came here to try my luck with pain but right now, I feel better,” said Cheruiyot.
In the women’s 10km Christine Njoki, who has switched allegiance to Qatar, claimed victory, clocking 32:26 ahead of Emmaculate Jepkosgei who timed 32:32 and Venenza Chebet who rounded off the podium timing 32:50.
Njoki was using the race as an important test of her speed and endurance as she fine-tunes her preparations for her TechRun 10km title defence in Eldoret.
The former Kenyan athlete said she was delighted to be back in competitive action after recovering from an injury that disrupted her campaign following last year’s cross country season.
“I did well in last year’s cross country before picking an injury but now I’m fine and ready for more assignments. I want to win a medal for my new country come December,” said Njoki.
In the Under-20 category Edwin Sanutia was in imperious form in the men’s 8km race timing 22:48 to clinch the title.
Sande Rotich clocked 22:48.6 for second place while Lucky Ramsy completed the podium in 22:53.5.
In the women’s 6km race, Lorna Cherono stamped her authority to emerge victorious clocking 19:30.3.
She held off Vivian Chepkopus, who finished second in 19:32.2, while Scolastica Chemtai settled for third in 19:34.3.