Isabella Ochichi wins the Kenyan Police Services 2005 XC champs (© Okoth)
Nairobi, KenyaFormer World 10,000m champion Charles Kamathi today won the 12km race at the Kenya Police Cross Country Championships in ther Kenyan capital, Nairobi (Sat 29 Jan).
Despite a close finish Kamathi didn’t have to struggle too much to beat Richard Matelong. He crossed the line in 12:03, to take a controlled win a few strides ahead of his opponent who recorded the same time.
"If the conditions are the same as today, then I expect to make the Kenyan team to World Cross Country Championships," said Kamathi.
Women: Ochichi takes easy win
Olympic 5000m silver medalIist Isabella Ochichi, who won the World bronze medal in the senior women's short race in 2002, ran away with the 8km title as Jane Gakunyi, 2003 World short race bronze medallist in Lausanne in 2003, and Sharon Cherop followed.
Omulo Okoth (The Standard) for IAAF
MEN:
4km
1. Charles Kamathi 12:03
2. Richard Matelong 12:03
3. Suleiman Simotwo 12:07
4. Paul Meli 12:08
5. Geoffrey Siele 12:11
12km
1. Paul Kimugul 37:33
2. Jacob Kigen 37:48
3. Samuel Ndereba 38:11
4. Julius Nyamu 38:17
5. Joel Saitoti 38:21
WOMEN
4-km
1. Esther Maina 14:50
2. Miriam Wangare 14:51
3. Milcah Chemosi 16:26
4. Lydia Chepkirui 16:35
5. Sharon Cheres 16:51
8-km
1. Isabella Ochichi 28:42
2. Jane Gakunyi 29:23
3. Sharon Cherop 29:33
4. Lucia Kimani 30:46
5. Lucy Muhami 31:38
