Mukundi Mwangi (right) on his way to winning Kenyan Police Administrative XC Champs title (© Stafford Ondego, The Standard)
Saturday was one of the main cross country competition days of the year in Kenya as most provinces as well as the Administration Police (AP) hold their selection events (5) for the IAAF Permit/KCB National Cross Country Championships (19 Feb).
The drawn out journey to the IAAF World Cross Country Championships, Punta Umbria, Spain (20 March) entered the final sprint with thrills, spills, upsets and notable comebacks being served-up across all Athletics Kenya branches namely; Nairobi, Southern, Western, Eastern, Coast, Central, North Rift, South Rift, far-flung North Eastern and Nyanza North who held their championships. Nyanza South staged theirs on Friday.
Administration Police
Fukuoka 2006 World Cross eighth finisher (junior) and fresh recruit, Pamela Lisoreng, romped to a clinical 26:57.37 victory in the senior women’s 8km run.
“I would be so happy if I became the first Administration Police athlete to compete at the World Cross. I had pledged to run for them last year but could not and this time, I fulfilled the promise,” said Lisoreng who hails from Pokot, the same region as revered distance running legend Tegla Loroupe.
“It would be a dream to turn out like her. Loroupe set the bar so high but she remains a great inspiration,” commented the athlete who was third at the fifth KCB/AK weekend meet in Kisii (4 December).
Ogla Kimaiyo (27:01.80) and Eunis Kales (27:16.93) followed in her slipstream to share the podium.
The men’s 12km witnessed a cagey showdown which was finally clinched by a turn of pace 300m from the finish from Mukundi Mwangi, who sealed top honours in 35:59.54.
Nyahururu born Mwangi, 23, edged a five-way tussle for the win that saw Peter Kirui (35:40.46), Henry Chirchir (35:41.39), Kipkoech Cherono (35:51.17) and Barnabas Sigei (36:11.80) finishing in that order in his wake.
PROVINCIAL HIGHLIGHTS
Nairobi
Rita Jeptoo, the 2006 Boston Marathon champion, returned to competitive action in the senior women race after taking maternity leave. Tiberius Marathon winner, Emily Samoei’s breakaway in the last 2km denied Jeptoo the win with the former coming home in 29:05.5 against 29:21.6.
Bydgoszcz junior women bronze medallist, Esther Chemutai, led five of her Riruta Satellite Secondary school team mates across the line in the junior women 6km race in 22:00.2 as Nelson Kogei ruled the roost in the junior men 8km. Lewis Nyariki won the senior men’s 12km event in 37:38.8.
North Rift
One of Kenya’s richest talent catchment areas saw the men’s long race conclude in an intense battle for top honours between Bydgoszcz ninth finisher, Hosea Mwok Macharinyang and Qatar’s Issa Ismael Rashid (born Daniel Kemboi).
Macharinyang, the 2006 World Cross junior gold winner finally prevailed in 34:53.4 against Rashid’s 35:02.7 as 1997 Commonwealth 1500m champion, Laban Rotich (35:16.3) closed out the podium.
Fridah Demongole (26:37.8) won the women’s long race. Abraham Bartum (22:54.8) and Gladys Chesire (20:17.2) topped the competition in the men 8km and women 6km junior races.
Western
Bydgoszcz and Amman World Cross campaigner, Nelly Chebet made a winning return to action when she raced 18:32.3 for victory in the junior women 6km. Abraham Cheroben (22:56.8) sealed a runaway victory in the men 8km equivalent.
Fidelis Chebet (28:10.4) and Robert Ndiwa (36:22.3) were the toast of the women’s and men’s senior races.
Central
Gideon Ngatuny, who placed fourth at the 2007 World Cross in Mombasa and seventh a year later in Edinburgh was upstaged by winner Ezekiel Mathai (35:30.9) and runner-up Geoffrey Gikuni (35:31.2) in the men’s 12km race. Ngatuny returned 35:53.5 for third.
Maryann Wangare (27:36.9) carried the day in the women’s long race as Philemon Cheboi (24:15.9) edged out Ngatuny’s younger brother, Emmanuel (24:22.3) in the junior men’s 8km rumble. Zipporah Wanjiru (19:43.9) took top honours in the junior women 6km.
Southern
World Cross junior titleholder, Caleb Mwangangi was toppled in the men’s long race, trooping home third in 32:58.10. Upstarts Reuben Leimaa (32:27.27) and Cosmas Kyeva (32:41.98) got the measure of the Bydgoszcz champion who has since graduated to senior ranks. In the senior women’s race, Japan based Bydgoszcz World Juniors 2000m Steeplechase champion, Christine Kambua Muyanga was out-kicked by Doris Githaka in the sprint finale with the clock returning 25:22.80 for the victor. Kambua timed 25:48.70 for second.
Patrick Mutunga stamped his favourite tag (21:00.6) in junior men’s encounter, as improving Vaati Ndolo (19:02.53) scored victory in the junior women category.
Eastern
Osaka 2007 Worlds fifth finisher, Japan based Josphat Muchiri Ndambiri (37:18) placed sixth in the senior men long race where Embu runner and last year’s, Elijah Mwaniki (36:29) trumped the field. Philomena Chepchirchir, also from Embu was the toast of the senior women run in 27:17.
Top seed Fridah Kaimutri’s (21:30) hold on the junior women 6km crown ended at the feet of Doris Mananu (21:16). Silas Muturi (23:00) ensured Embu athletes took all races when he topped the junior 8km run.
Coast
Kenya Navy runners sunk the opposition in the men’s senior long race at Shimo La Tewa High School grounds. David Makala (36:51.02) led fellow Navy runner Charles Too (36:51.01) across the line. Pauline Kaveke (25:25.06) edged out Navy’s Agnes Kagongo (29:48.06) in the battle for top honours in the women’s 8km run. Nzolo Mutuku (22:00.5) topped the men’s junior for the second year in a row.
Nyanza North
Yusuf Biwott took the men’s 12km title at Kisumu, completing the course in 36:42 well ahead of Rachuonyo’s Rodgers Gesabua who trooped home in 37:48. Tabitha Chelengat (30: 43) beat Homa Bay teammate Shada Cherotich (31:32) to the line in the senior women 8km showdown. Eva Cherono (21:58) triumphed in the junior women event.
Malaria robs world of Yator’s talent
A day of rich action was tempered by sad news that World junior 3000m steeplechase silver medallist Albert Kiptoo Yator passed on at an Eldoret hospital from malarial complications on Saturday morning. Sydney Olympic 1500m gold winner, Noah Ngeny, now a Pace Sports Management representative confirmed, Yator, who raced 8:33.55 (PB) for the silver at last year’s World Juniors in Moncton, Canada was admitted at Eldoret Hospital a week ago complaining of the tropical disease. Yator’s condition worsened yesterday morning and he succumbed. “We have lost a talented runner and our thoughts and prayers are with family,” Ngeny said.
Mutwiri Mutuota (The Standard) for IAAF
Additional results provided by Joseph Ngure, Ernest Ndunda and Philip Orwa
CROSS COUNTRY RESULTS ROUND-UP
Administration Police Champs
Women 8km senior
1. Pamela Lisoreng 26:57.37
2. Ogla Kimaiyo 27:01.80
3. Eunis Kales 27:16.93
4. Sheila Chepsang 28:10.27
5. Beatrice Chepkoech 28:31.71
6. Faridah Chelagat 29:09.09
Men 12km senior
1. Mukundi Mwangi 35:59.54
2. Peter Kirui 35:40.46
3. Henry Chirchir 35:41.39
4. Kipkoech Cherono 35:51.17
5. Barnabas Sigei 36:11.80
6. Edwin Kipyego 36:12.40
SOUTHERN
Junior women 6km
1. Vaati Ndolo 19:02.53
2. Nduku Musienya 19:07.53
3. Mwikali Mutuku 19:19.13
4. Wamuo Mwangangi 19:26.70
5. Damaris Muthee 19:30.97
6. Mbithe Nzisa 19:32.92
Junior men 8km
1. Patrick Mutunga 21:06.00
2. Patrick Muaka 21:21.22
3. Joshua Maingi 21:26.92
4. Kitony Nzioka 21:49.77
5. Tom Mutie 21:53.53
6. John Muulu 21:54.37
Senior women 8km
1. Doris Githaka 25:22.80
2. Kambua Muyanga 25:48.70
3. Rosemary Mbula 26:05.46
4. Monica Muthoni 26:47.77
5. Mauya Muasya 27:44.54
6. Mwende Musyoki 27:57.91
Senior men 12km
1. Reuben Leimaa 32:27.27
2. Cosmas Kyeva 32:41.98
3. Caleb Mwangangi 32:54.10
4. Amos Lemakori 33:00.36
5. Patrick Nguatu 33:13.99
6. Kyalo Kyui 33:19.35
CENTRAL
Junior women 6km
1. Zipporah Wanjiru 19:43.9
2. Jane Wanja 20:24.3
3. Josephine Wambui 20:26.4
4. Virginia Nyambura 20:27.6
5. Miriam Muthoni 20:32.5
6. Nancy Nzisa 20:39.9
Junior men 8km
1. Philemon Cheboi 24:15.9
2. Emmanuel Ngatunyi 24:22.3
3. Charles Ndung’u 24:27.5
4. John Gathaiya 24:30.4
5. Joseph Macharia 24:33.1
6. Titus Waruru 24:39.8
Senior women 8km
1. Maryann Wangare 27:36.9
2. Monica Watetu 27:40.2
3. Mary Wangare 27:43.8
4. Esther Wanjiru 27:50.2
5. Lucy Wambui 28:13.0
6. Milicent Gathoni 28:28.8
Senior Men 12km
1. Ezekiel Mathai 35:30.9
2. Geoffrey Gikuni 35:31.2
3. Gideon Ngatuny 35:53.5
4. Isaac Arusei 36:03.1
5. Bernard Muriithi 36:07.8
6. Geoffrey Ngugi 36:20.4
EASTERN
Junior women 6km
1. Doris Mananu 21:16
2. Fridah Kaimuri 21:30
3. Elizabeth Njeri 22:00
4. Pauline Njeru 22:01
5. Rebecca Mwendwa 22:10
6. Nancy Kathure 22:20
Junior men 8km
1. Silas Muturi 23:00
2. Daniel Kinyua 23:24
3. Alex Mureithi 23:32
4. Kimathi Githinji 24:10
5. Boniface Bundi 24:50
Senior women 8km
1. Philomena Chepchirchir 27:17
2. Fraciah Nyambura 28:16
3. Esther Karimi 29:05
4. Felista Kariuki 29:16
5. Hilda Gacheri 29:28
6. Mercy Kendi 31:07
Senior men 12km
1. Elijah Mwaniki 36:49
2. Willy Mwangi 36:58
3. Daniel Mbogo 37:02
4. Joseph Kariuki 37:13
5. Julius Karinga 37:17
6. Joseph Ndambiri 37:18
NAIROBI
Junior women 6km
1. Esther Chemutai 22:00.2
2. Dorcas Chepkemoi 22:00.6
3. Enis Chepkouru 22:25.0
4. Sylvia Kiberenge 22:26.1
5. Miriam Chepkemei 22:43.8
6. Celestine Kipyanam 23:01.5
Junior men 8km
1. Nelson Kogei 24:44.4
2. Albert Rop 24:44.7
3. Peter Mulunge 25:14.3
4. Hillary Maiyo 25:22.3
5. Andrew Mangata 25:26.6
6. Peter Rono 25:29.1
Senior women 8km
1. Emily Samoei 29:05.5
2. Rita Jeptoo 29:21.6
3. Miriam Musenya 30:20.7
4. Mary Chepchumba 30:45.0
5. Jecinta Wambui 31:38.3
6. Ann Wabera 31:41.4
Senior men 12km
1. Lewis Nyariki 37:38.8
2. James Kigen 37:45.0
3. Nathaniel Kosgei 38:11.2
4. James Mutai 38:23.2
5. Wesley Ngeno 38:35.1
6. William Muruambe 38:50.3
NORTH RIFT
Junior Women 6km
1. Gladys Chesir 20:17.2
2. Agnes Chebet 20:19.5
3. Jepkorir Kipkoech 20:22.3
4. Chepchirchir Cheruiyot 20:27.4
5. Rosaline Chepkorir 20:30.8
6. Viola Jepchirchir 20:36.8
Junior Men 8km
1. Abraham Bartum 22:54.8
2. Geoffrey Kipsang 22:57.8
3. Philemon Yator 23:07.4
4. Justine Cheruiyot 23:14.4
5. Wesley Kosgei 23:21.8
6. Thomas Yego 23:24.9
Senior Women 8km
1. Frida Domongole 26:37.8
2. Monica Jepkoech 26:59.9
3. Hyvin Kiyeng 27:03.7
4. Georgina Rono 27:06.5
5. Regina Cherotich 27:11.2
6. Betty Lembus 27:18.2
Senior Men 12km
1. Hosea Macharinyang 34:53.4
2. Ismael Rashid 35:02.7
3. Laban Rotich 35:16.3
4. James Kipketer 35:20.8
5.Lewis Korir 35:23.6
6. Nelphat Sirma 35:30.6
WESTERN
Junior women 6km
1. Nelly Chebet 18:32.3
2. Agnes Chemu 18:38.4
3. Faith Teso 18:46.2
4. Lina Cheruto 18:57.7
5. Winny Cherop 19:29.8
6. Jacinta Chesang 19:42.4
Junior men 8km
1. Abraham Cheroben 22:56.8
2. Erick Ndiema 23:07.4
3. Linus Maruka 23:10.6
4. Peter Rotich 23:18.1
5. Emmanuel Ndiema 23:20.9
6. Kenneth Kipnangwa 23:26.1
Senior Women 8km
1. Fidelis Chebet 28:10.4
2. Lydia Omukota 28:32.2
3. Hilda Muneria 29:18.6
4. Petronila Ayuma 29:41.9
5. Jessica Cherop 33:20.4
6. Getrude Shikuku 33:48.9
Senior Men 12km
1. Robert Ndiwa 36:22.3
2. Stephen Chemtai 36:26.9
3. Simon Cheptum 36:34.8
4. Philip Ngeiywa 37:02.9
5. Moses Kororia 37:08.4
6. Alexandria Muneria 37:42.2
