Beatrice Omwanza, a previous winner of the Paris Marathon, survived the mid-morning heat to win the 8km race of the Nairobi Provincial Cross Country Championships in Nairobi on Saturday (5 Feb).
In posting 26:50, Omwanza sent strong signals that she was be a major force during the Kenyan nationals (IAAF permit) cross country meeting next Saturday in Nairobi. She ran alone most of the race and only Jane Omoro was strong enough to mount a serious challenge. Omoro clocked 27:18 for second, and was followed home by Anne Wabera in 28:11.
The fast developing Ernest Kemeli who was the World Junior cross country bronze last year is determined to mix with senior men in his preparations for the nationals and demonstrated this in style by out-sprinting Pius Muli to win the 4km men's race in an impressive time of 10:50. Muli clocked 10:54 in second followed by Caleb Ngetich (11:01). Kemeli said he will do the 8km junior men's race during the nationals, confident he would win the World title next month.
Little known Augustine Rono surprised a group of seasoned runners with victory in the 12km race which he won in 34:24. David Chelule came in much later to stop the clock in 34:51 with Sammy Malakwen took third position in 35:17.
Moses Masai won the men's junior race in 22:41 with second placed Wilfred Yator clocking 23:04.
Peter Njenga (Daily Nation) for the IAAF
Results:
Men 12km
1. Augustine Rono, 34:24
2. David Chelule, 34:51
3. Sammy Malakwen, 35:17
4. George Okwaro, 35:19
5. Festus Lagat, 35:23
Men 4km
1 Ernest Kemeli, 10:50
2. Pius Muli, 10:54
3. Caleb Ngetich, 11:01
4. Mathew Kibowen, 11:08
5. Nicholas Musyoka, 11;09
Men – Junior 8km:
1. Moses Masai, 22:41
2. Wilfred Yator, 23:04
3. Tyson David 23:20
4. Kipkori Bii, 23:30
5. McDonald Ondati, 23:34
Women 4km:
1. Nancy Chebet, 13:11
2. Peris Kosgei, 13:54
3. Maria Busienei, 13:28
4. Eunice Chepkurui, 13:46
5. Jecinta Wanjiru, 14:00
Women 8km:
1. Beatrice Omwanza, 26:50
2. Jane Omoro, 27:18
3. Anne Wabera, 28:11
4. Alice Manutu, 28:49
5. Felista Karanja, 29:14
Women – Junior 6km:
1. Esther Chemutai, 19:35
2. Josphine Jeprotich, 19:57
3. Mary Keitany, 20:09
4. Cynthia Cherop, 20:41
5. Hellen Obiri, 20:52
