Mathew Kipkoech and Dorcus Ndiema were crowned champions of the third edition of the Great Chepsaita Cross Country, a World Athletics Gold Label event held on Sunday in Chepsaita, Uasin Gishu County. Kelvin Kariankei and Joan Chepkurui dominated the Under-20 men’s and women’s categories respectively, completing a day of thrilling performances on one of Kenya’s toughest cross-country courses.
Kipkoech Wins Men’s Senior 10km in Nail-Biting Finish
Kipkoech clinched the men’s 10km title in 31:49, edging out Cornelius Konor (31:50) and Sammy Kapserem (31:51) in a dramatic three-way sprint to the finish.
The 20-year-old Iten-based athlete, who finished third in last year’s race, said the podium inspired his push for victory this season.
“I put more effort after that podium finish and motivated myself to keep going,” he said.
Kipkoech has enjoyed excellent form over the past year, securing multiple podiums in European cross-country meets. Runner-up Konor, competing in the senior ranks for the first time, said he was pleased with his debut.
“This is my second time here. The competition was very tough, but I thank God I was able to finish,” Konor said.
Ndiema Dominates Women’s 10km
Dorcus Ndiema produced a commanding run to win the women’s 10km title in 35:44, ahead of Brenda Jepchirchir (36:08) and Faith Cherono (36:39).
Ndiema, who celebrated her 20th birthday on Saturday, described the victory as the perfect response after narrowly missing out on Kenya’s squad to the Florida World Cross Country Championships during the nationals in October.
Competing in Chepsaita for the second time—having raced in the U20 event last year—she said the win fuels her ambitions as she transitions into senior-level competition.
“On track I run the 5,000m, and I hope soon I can represent the country at major championships,” she said.
Jepchirchir, who trains under coach Willy Langat in Keringet, admitted she had not expected a podium finish.
Kariankei Cruises to Men’s U20 8km Victory
In the men’s U20 8km, Kelvin Kariankei stormed to victory in 25:20, beating Emmanuel Kipchirchir (25:27) and Alex Pelor (25:33).
The Form Four student at Chepsaita Secondary School said his experience at the National Cross Country Championships, where he finished 12th, played a crucial role in his improved performance.
“At the nationals I finished 12th but today I was victorious,” he said. “I realised I was going out too hard with a fast pace. Today I ran smart with the leading group and pushed in the final lap.”
Kariankei, who earlier competed in Baringo and returned to training with a rigorous 10km morning and 4km evening schedule, said the discipline paid off.
Chepkurui Shines in Women’s U20 6km
Joan Chepkurui claimed the women’s U20 6km crown in 21:34, outrunning Mercy Kirwa (21:48), with Fancy Chepkorir (22:07) finishing third.
Despite her dominant performance, the Kuresoi-based athlete said the victory surprised her.
“This is my first time running here in Chepsaita. The race was not easy and I did not expect to win, but I’m happy with the results,” Chepkurui said. “The course was very hard but I was determined to finish. I had trained well because I knew Chepsaita is never an easy race.”
