MACHAKOS, Kenya, August 9, 2025 – Youngster Maureen Jepkoech continued her ‘love affair’ with cross country when she cruised to victory at the Betika Athletics Kenya (AK) Cross Country Series at the Machakos Teachers Training College on Saturday.
Jepkoech clocked 30:37 to win the senior women’s 10km, breaking away from the leading pack that had national 5,000m champion Rebecca Mwangi and 2015 World U18 2,000m steeplechase silver medallist Sandrafelis Chebet.
Chebet finished second in 31:07 as Mwangi took third after clocking 31:18.
Jepkoech was delighted to have began her cross country season on a flier, noting its importance in preparing her for next year’s World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida.
“All I have to do is to be patient, focus on the World Cross Country Championships, and then start preparing for the track season. I had prepared well to compete at Machakos, and I am happy with my performance,” the 22-year-old said.
In the senior men’s 10km race, Japan-based Gideon Rono took top honours after clocking 28:12 to cut the tape, ahead of Vincent Langat (28:18) and Silas Senchura (28:19) who came second and third, respectively, in the closely-contested race.
The win notwithstanding, Rono admitted the chilly weather on the day had presented a stumbling block to his ambitions.
“It was not an easy race. The weather made it difficult because it was chilly, but I managed to endure and emerge the winner. I will focus on making the Team Kenya, and my preparations have to be good to ensure I do it. I know there are other athletes eyeing the opportunity, so I have no time to relax,” Rono said.
In the men’s Under 20 8km race, Festus Kimorwo staved off the challenge of Ronald Kipkoech to emerge triumphant, clocking 21:52 in first place.
Kipkoech had to be content with second after timing 21:53 whereas Kevin Kiprop came third in 21:56.
South Rift’s Cynthia Chepkurui was victorious in the women’s Under 20 6km, stopping the timer at 18:54.
Newly crowned Africa Under 20 3000m bronze medalist Joyline Chepkemoi came second in 19:00 as Jane Wangari followed closely in third place, after clocking 19:02.
Another athlete from the South Rift, Caren Chepngeno, shone in the women’s 2km loop, clocking 6:32 to finish in first place.
Kenya Prisons’ Jacinta Abese clocked 6:38 to finish second as Josphine Sembeyo came third in 6:48.
David Toroitich was victor in the men’s 2km loop after cutting the tape 5:31, ahead of National Youth Service’s (NYS) Solomon Kimutai (5:35) and Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Ezekiel Letaya (5:35) in second and third respectively.
The next cross-country series will be held at Kapsokwony on September 6.
