News29 Nov 2003


Kamathi defeated by Sammy Karanja

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Charles Kamathi (© Getty Images)

The third Athletics Kenya weekend cross country meeting produced another set of new name winners, as again another established name failed to shine.

Karanja shows clean pair of heels to Kamathi

Sammy Karanja, 24, winner of the 10km race at the first Nairobi Marathon a month ago, won today's 12km race held at high altitude (7845m) in Nyahururu, some 180km west of the capital Nairobi.

2001 10,000 metres World champion Charles Kamathi finished fourth after failing to keep up with the fierce pace set by Karanja.

The 24 year-old Karanja, who was third in the Adidas Vancouver Half Marathon(PB 64:29) last June, took the lead from the start today, and progressively built a 100 metres margin over his opponents by the mid-stage, and held on despite a concerted effort by second placed Francis Bowen and David Kabiru. The latter was the winner of the second weekend meeting two weeks ago in Machakos.

Karanja posted a winning time of 35:22 minutes and said he
might not contest in the next meeting in Kisii because he has some engagements abroad but he has set his sight on the World Cross Country Championships next March in Brussels.

“I am used to high altitude since where I come from (Kiambu near Nairobi) sits at an altitude of 8800 feet,” said Karanja. “I have a series of races in Italy before returning for the national championships.”

In stark contrast to Karanja's finish, Kamathi struggled and  finished fourth in 35:58 but was happy with the results after catching fifth placed Isaac Arusei with 1000m to go. Kamathi who is based in Nyahururu and trains with former World short course cross country champion John Kibowen, said he resumed training two weeks ago after a rather lean year due to injury.

“It will depend on how my body responds to training before I decide on whether I will continue with the weekend meetings," said Kamathi. "My goal is to go to the World Cross Country championships and improve on the third position I posted in Ostend two years ago.”

Jackpot wide open

The US$ 15,000 jackpot which is available for the winner of the Athletics Kenya series of weekend races has been thrown wide open since three different winners have emerged in the three 12km race so far held this year. An athlete must win three races
including the final in Eldoret on January 9 to qualify for a share of the money.

However, at the shorter distance David Kiplimo won his second consecutive meeting in the 4k in 11:05.4.

Domongole takes wins 8km

Up and coming Fridah Domongole who was one of the two
winners of the jackpot last year won the women’s 8km race in 27:03, ahead of experienced Catherine Kirui (27:24) who last competed in the World cross in 1995.

Domongole, coached by former Honululu Marathon champion Eric Kimaiyo said she too was aiming for the Worlds in Brussels.

Peter Njenga (Daily Nation) for the IAAF
 
Results

 Men 4km:
1. David Kiplimo, Fila, 11:05.4; 2. Elkhana Angwenyi, Esmi, 11:10.8; 3. Paul Lagat, Kericho, 11:11.4; 4.Boniface Songok, Armed Forces, 11:17.3; 5. Samuel Ndereba, Police, 11:18.2; 6. Stephen Njenga, Mfae, 11:23.3; 7. Jospeh Kosgei, Esmi, 11:27.0; 8. Peter Koskei, Prisons, 11:28.4; 9. Samson Kiplagat, Adidas, 11:29.4; 10. Masai Kimei, Armed Forces, 11:32.4

Men 12km:
1. Sammy Karanja, Mashambani, 35:22.5; 2. Francis Bowen, Puma, 35:44.2; 3. David Kabiru, Kerugoya, 35:45.1; 4. Charles Kamathi, Police, 35:58.1; 5. Isaac Arusei, Puma, 36:05.3; 6. Joseph Ng’ang’a, Police, 36:11.5; 7. Nathan Naibei, Global, 36:13.1; 8. Joel Kiplimo, Kaptagat, 36:15.2; 9. Hilary Chenobe, Global, 36:17.1; 10. Julius Nyamu, Police, 36:24.6.

Junior men 8km:
1. Moses Masai, Hidden Talent, 23:12.1; 2. Hosea, Macharing, Fila, 23:18.0; 3. Kipkoskei Salii, Individual, 23:23.1; 4. Kibet Yegon, Individual, 23:29.8; 5. James Mwangi, Individual, 23:36.0; 6.Ernest Meli, Stellar, 23:42.2; 7. Ken Komen, Kamsite, 23:52.6; 8. Stanley Muiruri, Individual, 23:53.6; 9. Jackson Rono, Individual, 23:57.0; 10. Christopher Boit, Metkei, 23:59.3

Women 4km:
 1. Peninah Chepkumbei, Fila, 12:59.0; 2. Nancy Wambui, Mfae, 13:19.0; 3. Inness Chenonge, Armed Forces, 13:21.2;
4. Josphine Wanjiku, Armed Forces, 13:38.2; 5. Nancy Cheruiyot, Individual, 13:38.9; 6. Peninah Wanjiru, Individual, 13:50.2; 7. Jesca Obare, KCB, 13:55.6; 8. Maria Busienei, Esmi, 14:00.05; 9. Susan Muthoni, Puma, 14:02.1; 10. Ann Karindi, Kinamba, 14:03.1.

Women 8km
1. Fridah Domongole, Kapsait, 27:03.0; 2. Catherine Kirui, Prison, 27:24.5; 3. Jane Omoro, Telkom, 28:11.8; 4. Susan Njeri, Ndunyu, 28:25.6; 5. Mercy Cheburet, Nakuru, 28:36.4;
6. Anastacia Ndereba, Prisons, 28:46.5; 7. Rebecca Nyambura, Ndunyu, 28:57.8; 7. Magdelene Syombua, Mashambani, 29:29.8; 9. Esther Chemutai, Hidden Talent, 29:07.5; 10. Alice Ndirangu, Individual, 29:29.8

Junior women 6km:
1. Gladys Chemweno, Fila, 19:55.5; 2. Mercy Wanjiru, Mfae, 20:08.0; 3. Bilha Mwihaki, Mfae, 20:25.0; 4. Jane  Muthoni, Mfae, 20:42.0; 5. Teresia Wangui, Mfae, 20:44.4; 6. Everlyn Kimwei, Hiden Talent, 20:51.6; 7.Margaret Wangare, Mfae, 21:01.0; 8. Chelangat Leting, Iten, 21:15.2; 9. Emily Chepkurui, Kericho, 21:18.0; 10. Tabitha Mukami, Ndunyu, 21:36.3. 

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