Fredrick Kipkoech Chebii now has two wins from two on the Athletics Kenya (AK) Cross Country Series. He took the men's 10km at the second leg on Saturday at Moi Girls High School, Kamusinga, in Kimilili, Bungoma County. He also won the opening leg in Machakos two weeks ago.
Chebii held off reigning Africa Cross Country champion Kevin Chesang to win in 28:53, Athletics Kenya reported. Chesang clocked 29:00, and Kennedy Cheruiyot was third in 29:05. KBC Digital gave Chebii's time as 28:53.3. It said Evans Kipkosgei and Salem Kibet finished fourth and fifth. KBC described Chebii as a KDF athlete, while Athletics Kenya said he trains in Iten.
Chebii said he worked with his coach to improve his training after Machakos. He added that he "went for loading" and that this helped him win again. Chesang also holds the national cross country title and won the 10,000m at this year's Kip Keino Classic. He said he is still recovering from a knee injury but wants to defend his African title. Cheruiyot said he also had knee problems before the race and came to "try my luck with pain".
Christine Njoki won the women's 10km. Emmaculate Jepkosgei was second, and Venenza Chebet was third in 32:50. The two outlets gave different times for the top two. Athletics Kenya reported 32:26 for Njoki and 32:32 for Jepkosgei. KBC Digital reported 32:16.2 and 32:22.6.
According to Athletics Kenya, Njoki has switched allegiance to Qatar. She used the race to test her speed and endurance before defending her TechRun 10km title in Eldoret. She said an injury disrupted her season after last year's cross country campaign. She now wants to win a medal for her new country in December.
Edwin Sanutia won the Under-20 men's 8km in 22:48. Sande Rotich was second in 22:48.6, and Lucky Ramsy third in 22:53.5. KBC Digital said Sanutia competed at the World Under-20 championships in Oregon, USA, three months ago. Lorna Cherono won the Under-20 women's 6km in 19:30.3. Vivian Chepkopus was second in 19:32.2 and Scolastica Chemtai third in 19:34.3.
The series moves to Ol Kalou in Nyandarua County for the next leg on November 21, KBC Digital reported.