NAIROBI, Kenya, January 27, 2025 – Kenya’s Christine Njoki has credited her self-belief and hardwork for her recent success on the cross country circuit.
Njoki continued her winning run with victory in the women’s 10km at the Discovery Cross Country in Eldoret on Sunday, a feat she attributed to these two ingredients.
“I looked at the startlist, before the race, and the one thing that I saw was that most of the competitors are people I am familiar with and have run against. There are people against who I have won or even finished in the podium in the past. This gave me the confidence coming into the competition,” the Durban 10km champion said.
Njoki clocked 27:42.2 to cut the tape, ahead of World Half Marathon bronze medalist Catherine Reline (27:50.1) and Maurine Chepkoech (28:07.4) who finished second and third respectively.
The 25-year-old was delighted with the result, describing it as a product of the long yards she has been putting in training.
“I was determined to win this race and so I had to work hard in training to ensure I am prepared for today (Sunday). I am very happy to have won here today,” she said.
Njoki has been in stellar form in the current cross country season, particularly the Betika Athletics Kenya (AK) Cross Country Series.
She finished second in the first leg of the series in Machakos on October 19, clocking 36:32.20, behind winner, Maureen Chepkoech (36:22.90), as Esther Chemutai claimed third in 37:17.7.
The road running specialist then notched another second-place finish at the penultimate leg of the series in Ol Kalau on December 14.
She clocked 36:25.1 in the senior women’s 10km, behind Japan-based Hellen Ekalale who timed 35:53.1 to cut the tape.
Joyline Cherotich came third in 37:13.1.
Njoki will be hoping to replicate her win at the Discovery Cross Country, at the National Cross Country Championships on February 8.
