2024 Discovery Kenya Cross Country champion Matthew Kipkoech picked up from where he left off to emerge victorious in the 8km junior men’s category of the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country Tour Gold held on Saturday, February 3, at the Lobo Village in Eldoret.It took Kipkoech only a week to better his personal best from 24:40:3 at the Discovery Kenya event to 23:32 in the Sirikwa Gold Tour. Japan-based Samuel Kibathi Wanjiru clinched second place after finishing the course in 23:37, while Charles Rotich completed the podium in 23:40.7845151##NAJAVA_MECA_7845151##Speaking after the impressive finish, Kipkoech vowed to keep his fine form going, noting that he aimed to qualify for the Africa Cross Country Championships. Kipkoech, who has already booked a slot in the Kenyan team for the Africa Cross Country team to Tunisia, noted that he expects a high level of competition from Ethiopians. Despite that, he promised to put his best foot forward.”I have unfinished business with the Africa Cross Country Championships. I was to compete in 2020, but it was canceled because of Covid-19. Though Ethiopians will be a challenge, today is an indicator of good performance in Tunis,” he told Mozzart Sport after the emphatic win.On his side, Wanjiru was glad for the win, noting that the difference in altitude posed a challenge. Wanjiru is based in Japan.”Last year was okay compared to this year. The high altitude was not easy, but I managed,” he offered.For Rotich, the race was part of his preparation for the upcoming World Cross Country Championship. He noted that he was looking to better his 12th position from the first edition to claiming a podium finish.”Today was part of training for the World Cross Country Championship. Last year I finished number 12, and this year I want to be among the podium finishers,” he averred.Sirikwa Classic: Youngsters Wanyonyi, Chepkirui impress in 2km mixed relay raceIn the ladies’ category, Mercy Chepkemoi continued with her prowess, claiming the top spot in 20:07. With that impressive performance, Chepkemoi has successfully booked a slot in the Kenyan team for the Tunis challenge. Chepkemoi conquered the tough course and weather to complete the course ahead of Diana Chepkemoi (20:10), and Sheila Jebet wrote history by finishing third in 20:12.”I did not expect the victory. I was a bit tense, but I am happy to book a slot in team Kenya for the Africa Cross Country,” Chepkemoi, the winner, said. Chepkemoi, who came in second, started her season on a high with a victory in the women’s 5,000m in the Thika track and field meet. In the Ulinzi Track and Field meet, she won the women’s 1,500m. She was glad that her performance was on a growth curve.”I can say my endurance is building, and I am happy,” she said after the race.Podium finisher Sheila Jebet said that with the Sirikwa victory behind her, she was shifting focus to the upcoming Africa Cross Country event.”In my first out at the Africa U20 championship in Zambia, I did not do that well in the 1,500m. It did not discourage me because today’s results are promising as I focus on the Africa Cross Country,” she said.Following the competitive junior category, fans can anticipate a nerve-wracking senior category where both men and women will compete over 10km.Under 20 collated results:Women:Mercy Chepkemoi 20:07Diana Chepkemoi 20:10Sheila Jebet 20:12Joyline Chepkemoi 20:14Judy Kemunto 20:19Men:Mathew Kipkoech 23:32Samuel Wanjiru Kibathi 23:37Charles Rotich 23:40Jonah Erot 23:52Titus Kiprotich 24:01Omondi dreams big after joining Kakamega Homeboyz
