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News10 Feb 2002


Ndereba wins Kenyan Prisons cross ahead of Chepkemei

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Ndereba wins Kenyan Prisons cross ahead of Chepkemei
Peter Njenga for the IAAF
9 February, 2002 - Ruiru, Kenya - World marathon best holder Catherine Ndereba today showed a great form when she employed her wealth of experience to reclaim the Kenya women’s Prisons 12km cross country title ahead of her two big rivals, Susan Chepkemei and Margaret Okayo.

Ndereba who is preparing for her Boston Marathon title defence in April let New York Marathon champion Okayo set the pace on a bumpy 2km circuit at Prisons Staff Training College, 20km north of the capital Nairobi, for three and a half laps before breaking away with 200 metres to go. She clocked 26 minutes 40 seconds. 

Okayo who was honoured Friday by her superiors for her athletics achievements, dropped to third after Rotterdam Marathon champion Chepkemei passed in the last lap.  But Chepkemei failed to overhaul Ndereba and settled for second in 26:41.  Despite the presence of these three leading marathoners, the women’s race attracted only eight athletes with Mary Ptikay finishing fourth.  Ndereba whose rise to fame started in this annual meeting, held to select the Prisons teams which will compete in the national championships on February 23, credited her victory to divine intervention and was full of praise to her team mates.

“It was a tough race but because of the grace of the Lord I am here standing victorious. I would like to represent my country in Dublin but if I am unable, I will concentrate on the Boston Marathon,” said Ndereba who is a born again Christian.

”I would have gone faster but it was too hot.”

Edith Masai who was third in the 4km women’s race in the World Championships in Ostend last year easily beat Kenyan 1,500m champion Jecinta Muraguri to win in her speciality in 12:47. “I will be waiting for a word from our national head coach to know whether I will switch to the longer race in Dublin. If not so I will concentrate in the shorter event,” said Masai.

Although David Makori, winner in Tourcoing Cross Challenge recently, was the favourite to win the men’s longer event, Luka Kibet Bowen who has a modest international record surprised him.  Bowen who won the Toliavono 10km in Switerland last year easily broke from the fast fading Makori in the closing stages to coast home in  35:33 while Makori clocked 36:37.    
Leading results:
 Men 4km:
1. Joseph Kipchumba, 11:08; 2. Joseph Lomala, 11:10; 3. Albert Okemo, 11:11; 4. Joseph Gachigo, 11:13; 5. Edwin Koech, 11:16; 6. Erastus Limo, 11:24; 7. Edward Koech, 11:31; 8.  Geoffrey Lenrangoi, 11:36; 9. Joseph Talam, 11:38; 10. Benson Theuri, 11:39; 11. Josphat Rotich, 11:39; 12. Moses Kibet, 11:45; 13. Moses Kibet, 11:46; 14. John Beigong, 1:46; 15. Benjamin Yator, 11:48.  
Men 12km:
1. Luke Kibet Bowen, 35:33; 2. David Makori, 35:55; 3. John Kiprono, 36:37; 4. Christopher Kandie, 36:38; 5. Philip Kiplangat, 37:07; 6. Paul Lotiram, 37:22; 7. Robert Gacuiri, 37:49; 8. Jacob Loshian, 37:59; 9. Francis Mwenda, 38:09; 10. Evans Kipchumba 38;10.

Women 4km:
1. Edith Masai, 12:47; 2. Jecinta Muraguri, 13:30; 3. Grace Misati, 14:17; 4. Pauline Konga, 14:28; 5. Christine Kitur, 14:40; 6. Everlene Jeortich 14:43; 7. Janet Muhindi, 15:38; 8. Esther Ndereba, 16:14; 9. Susan Chemutai, 16:22; 10. Emaculate Jeruto, 16:37; 11.  Ruth Ndirangu, 16:40; 12. Esther Masai, 1:15; 13. Mary Chebet, 17:24; 14. Esther Simatwa, 17:49; 15. Caroline Chirchir, 19:45. 
Women 8km:
1. Catherine Ndereba, 26:40; 2. Susan Chepkemei, 26:54; 3.  Margaret Okayo, 26:54; 4. Mary Ptikay, 27:31; 5. Selina Koskei, 28:09; 6. Gladys Asiba, 28:11.

Men 21km:
1. Joseph Mwangi, 1:04.00; 2. Kanda Yego, 1:04.16; 3. Anthony Gitau, 1:04.19; 4. Stephen Maina, 1:05.20; 5. Julius Banditch, 1:05.38; 6.  Joseph Kanda, 1:06.47; 7. Joseph Karale, 1:07.30; 8. Isaac Kinyua, 1:08.12; 8. Benson Muriuki, 1:08.12; 9. Simon Sieleil, 1:08.22; 10. George Muya, 1:08.22; 12. Simon Lotom, 1:09.46; 13. Douglas Mwangi, 1:10.24; 14. Kioko Musomba, 1:10.54; 15. Kennedy Chumo, 1:11.25.

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