The six-tier Athletics Kenya and Kenya Commercial Bank sponsored cross-country series came to an end last weekend with upcoming Philip Langat and never-say die Julius Tanki confirming their previous victories with unmatched performance.
Also keeping her feet on the pedals was World and Africa queen faith Chepng’etich who, in the absence of jackpot favourate Sheila Chepng’etich, ruled in the senior women, winning the coveted title in 27:38.0, as the six-leg meetings concluded at G.K Prisons playing grounds in Sotik in South Rift.
Agnes Chebet, Caroline Chepkoech and reigning World champion Emily Chebet trailed the winner in 27:46.0, 28:46.0 and 29:42.2 to arrived second, fourth and fifth during the competitions that ignited rivalry expected to be seen during February 14 national championship in Nairobi.
Langat, who hails and trains in Kericho, won the 12 kilometres senior men’s title for the second time after another victory in Nyahururu and second placing during the second meeting in Iten last November.
“I am confident after competing in the local cross-country races that I will make the team to China this year. I have gained a lot of experience and nothing will make me stop chasing my dream of winning the World title one day,” said the talented runner who finished 5th in his international debut during the Africa championship last year.
Although he did not run in the opener in Nairobi and in Mt Elgon, Langat, who clocked 37:04.2 in winning, leads in the senior men chase with maximum points as the rest lack consistency since the build-up started in Nairobi on November 1st last year.
The second position went to 2013 national champion Philemon Rono who managed 37:13.1 with Isaac Langat and Vincent Rono following in 37:18.3 and 37:25.6 respectively.
On his part, Julius Tanki did emerge the best in the junior men 8km after winning in Sotik where he chalked his third win and overpowering his opponents in Iten and Nyahururu and ranking second in Nairobi. The Bomet- based junior was followed home by Davis Kiplangat, the winner in Nairobi and 4th in Iten while John Langat was third. The three completed in 24:29.5, 24:38.4 and 24:41.5.
In the 6kilometres, Valentine Chepkwemoi Matebo, who was second in Mt Elgon, timed 21:10.0 to beat Nyahururu champion Sandra Chebet and Betty Chepkemoi who took second and third places in 21:19.0 and 21:29.6.
The conclusion of the build-up series have now paved the way for the competition proper that now starts from the grass root this month with the climax being the national cross country championship at the Uhuru Gardens on 14th February.
By
Athletics Kenya Media and Communications.