Eliud Kipchoge cruises to victory in the 4km race at the sixth and final weekend cross country race in Eldoret (© Omulo Okoth)
The sixth and final Athletics Kenya cross country weekend meeting of the 2004/05 season lived up to the high quality predictions, with a fine field and some superb performances early today.
Staged at the unfamiliar venue of the Muslim Centre course on the Eldoret-Kaptagat road against the backdrop of rustling trees on a sunny Saturday morning, the event attracted two medallists from last summer’s Athens Olympics who lived up to their reputations.
Eliud Kipchoge, the World 5000m champion and the bronze medallist in Athens, strode to victory in the senior men's short course race (4km) after posting 12:19. Just behind, a second down, came former World Youth 1500m champion Isaac Songok, and Brimin Kipruto, the winner of the Olympic silver medal in the 3000m Steeplechase in Athens was another five seconds adrift (12:25) in third. Augustine Choge, the World Junior 5000m champion, was fourth in 12:34.
"This was my first race on the local circuit this season and I am happy with my form. We are now planning to defeat Kenenisa Bekele in France. We all send our sympathy to him following the sudden death of his fiancée. But that does not make us blind to our number one priority: beating him in France in March," said Kipchoge.
The season's new sensational junior Veronica Nyarwai extended her domination with a 21:31 victory in the junior women's 6km, while Hosea Macharnyang won the men's 8km junior race in 24:39. Prisca Jepleting won the women's senior short course race (4km) in 14:28.
These three athletes now need to win their respective races at the National Championships next month to claim a share of the Sh1million ($12,500) Jackpot offered Athletics Kenya.
Little-known Elias Kemboi won the 12km senior men's race in 37:03, and was followed home by Augustin Rono (37:05) and Elijah Sang (37:12).
Eunice Chepkorir won the senior women's 8km race in 28:09, ahead of Monica Wangare (28:40) and Doris Changeiywa (29:00).
Omulo Okoth (The Standard) for IAAF
Leading Results:
MEN
Senior 4km
1. Eliud Kipchoge 12:19
2. Isaac Songok 12:20
3. Brimin Kipruto 12:25
4. Augustine Choge 12:34
5. Bernard Kipngetich 12:36
Junior 8km
1. Hosea Macharnyang 24:39
2. Bernard Kiprop 24:40
3. Isaiah Kosgei 24:44
4. Emmanuel Mutai 24:48
5. Lewis Kipkorir 24:52
Senior 12km
1. Elias Kemboi 37:03
2. Augustine Rono 37:05
3. Elijah Sang 37:13
4. Linus Maiyo 37:30
5. Joseph Lelei 37:33
15km Road Race
1. Clement Koech 42:03
2. Wilson Chebet 42:28
3. Philip Manyim 42:54
4. Thomas Chepkwony 43:08
5. Julius Limo 43:23
Women
Senior 4km
1. Prisca Jepleting 14:28
2. Mary Wangare 14:42
3. Beatrice Jepchumba 14:50
4. Beatrice Rutto 15:05
5. Nancy Wambui 15:05
Junior 6km
1. Veronica Nyarwai 21:31
2. Margaret Wangui 21:43
3. Mercy Wanjiru 21:48
4. Jebichi Yator 21:59
5. Pamela Lisoreng 22:00
Senior 8km
1. Eunice Chepkorir 28:09
2. Monica Wangare 28:40
3. Doris Changeiywa 29:00
4. Welly Chepkurui 29:15
5. Leah Malot 29:25
15km Road Race
1. Ann Jeptanui 51:02
2. Rael Murkomen 51:33
3. Esther Saina 54:03
4. Naomy Chepkoech 55:07
5. Sally Lagat 55:18
