Nyahururu, Kenya - Athletics action resumed on Saturday for the first time since the post-elections violence which rocked most parts of Kenya, with the Laikipia district Cross Country championships in Nyahururu, 190km north west of the capital Nairobi.

But similar races in most parts of the country including the North Rift region which is home to many Kenyan runners could not be held on security grounds.

The Laikipia championships held at the Nyahururu golf course, at 2360 metres above sea level, were a testatment of the enthusiasm of most young Kenyan runners who have not had any competition for the last month.

World 10,000m bronze medallist Martin Mathathi set the pace for the senior men's race for the first 4km before dropping out. He managed to pull the leading group of five on the wet and damp grounds.

Mid stage Charles Munyeki and John Thuo took over the lead and opened a 50m gap ahead on the rest of the field never to relent.

Both runners remained like that for the rest of the race and engaged each other in a final sprint of which Munyeki won marginally in 36 minutes 43.78 seconds.

Thuo posted 36:43.79 followed by Isaac Kinyua in 37:32.25.

Vincent Yator, third at last year's nationals, was the best runner in the junior men's 8km race after taking a commanding lead from the half point mark to win in 24:19.05. Paul Mutero in a distant second clocked 24:30.09.

The women's race was also a mis-match with Milicent Gathoni winning in 27:48.58. She was followed by Mary Wangui in 27:57.37 with Mary Wacera third in 28:07.37.

Susan Wairimu won the junior women's 6km race in 21:19.00.

Peter Njenga (Kenya Times) for the IAAF

Results

Men 12km -
 1. Charles Munyeki, 36:43.78
 2. John Thuo, 36:43.79
 3. Iasaac Kinyua, 37:32.25
 4. Augustine Gatimu, 37:40.16
 5. Mark Kamau, 37:45.58
 6. Joel Kimaru, 37:47.67

Junior men 8km -
 1. Vincent Yator, 24:19.05
 2. Paul Mutero, 24:30.09
 3. John Wamahiu, 24:33.08
 4. Samuel Mwangi, 24:41.02
 5. Mwangi Gatugo, 24:51.04
 6. David maina, 24:57.05

Senior women 8km -
 1. Milicent Gathoni, 27:48.58
 2. Margaret Wangui, 27:57.37
 3. Mary Wacera, 28:07.37
 4. Pauline Wangui, 28:11.30
 5. Monica Wangui, 28:17.47
 6. Alice Waithera, 28:55.53

Junior women 6km -
 1. Susan Wairimu, 21:19
 2. Alice Apurot, 21:24
 3. Dorothy Karimi, 21:38
 4. Veronicah maina, 21:55
 5. Grace Wambui, 21:59
 6. Mary Wanjiku, 22:05