Kiprono, Chepkoech win big at AK Cross Country Series opener in Machakos

MACHAKOS, Kenya, October 19 – Asbel Kiprono and Maureen Chepkoech began the 2024/25 Athletics Kenya (AK) Cross Country Series with wins in the senior men and women’s races at the opening leg of the annual championships in Machakos on Saturday.

Kiprono braved the dusty course at the Machakos Teachers’ College to finish first in the senior men’s 10km after clocking 32:11.2.

Francis Abong clocked 32:14.7 to finish second, ahead of Victor Kipruto who ran 32:29.1 in third place.

On the other hand, Chepkoech clocked 36:22.9 to clinch the senior women’s 10km title as Christine Njoki (36:32.22) and Esther Chemtai (37:13.7) finished second and third respectively.

Competition among the juniors was equally intense with Silas Senchura and Yvonne Chepchirchir emerging triumphant in the men and women’s categories respectively.

Maureen Chepkoech celebrates after winning the senior women’s race. PHOTO/ATHLETICS KENYA X

Senchura edged a tight contest in the men’s 8km, clocking 25:27.42 in first place.

In second place was Simon Maywa (25:32.70) whereas Clinton Ngetich (25:38.04) took third.

Meanwhile, Chepchirchir clocked 21:40.02 to win the junior women’s 6km ahead of Lorna Cherono (21:50.7) and Florence Chepkoech (21:57.7) in second and third respectively.

Winners of the senior men and women’s categories walked home Ksh 50,000 richer as the juniors received Ksh 30,000 each.

Focus shifts to Kapsokwony for the second leg of the series on October 26.

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