The National Police Service (NPS) will be the team to watch at this weekend’s National Cross Country Championships set for this weekend at Eldoret Sports Club.
Spearheading the Police charge are world 10,000m silver medallist Daniel Ebenyo and two-time national champion Sheila Chelagat, who are fresh from dominant performances at the Police Cross Country Championships.
Ebenyo was victorious in the NPS Championship on January 17 after cutting the tape in 29:51.6 ahead of Meybei Kiplimo ( 29:53.6 ) and Robert Kiprop ( 30:03.2 ).
Chelangat clocked 33:50.3 to win the women’s race ahead of Sussy Chebet ( 34:01.1 ) and Linet Masai ( 34:17.6 ).
Chelagat also claimed the national cross country titles in 2020 ( 34:34.9 ) and 2021 ( 34:56 ). Also boosting the Police 10km squad are former African 10,000m champions Stacey Ndiwa ( 2018 ) and Caroline Nyaga ( 2022 ), alongside Edwin Bett.
The 2024 Olympic 3000m steeplechase bronze medallist Abraham Kibiwott and World Indoor 1500m bronze medallist Kumari Taki lead the hunt for Police in the 2km loop race.
However, they are bound to face a stern test from the Kenya Prisons Service led by 2017 world cross country bronze medallist Lilian Kasait, who is eager to upgrade last year’s runner-up finish.
The Prisons squad further boasts 2023 African 800m silver medallist Alex Ngeno and 2020 Olympic 1500m silver medallist Timothy Cheruiyot in the 2km race.
North Rift region will see 2023 World Half Marathon bronze medallist Catherine Reline and 2024 African 5000m bronze medallist Cornelius Kemboi lead the charge.
During last year’s edition held at the Prisons Staff Training College, Ruiru, KDF’s Sabastian Sawe reigned supreme clocking 28:39 with Samwel Masai ( 28:39 ) and Gideon Rono ( 28:42 ) completing the podium.
In the women’s race, Agnes Ngetich clocked 31:51 ahead of Kasait ( 31:57 ) and Beatrice Chebet ( 32:00 ).
The Local Organizing Committee (LOC) led by chairman Abraham Mutai, confirmed that preparations are nearly complete, with competitors expected to start arriving today (Thursday).
“We have so far put everything in place from the course to security and accommodation for athletes and officials,” said Mutai.
The competition will feature three events, including the Under-20 women ( 6km) and men ( 8km) race, the senior 10km (men and women), as well as the 2km (men and women) with the competition set to start at noon.
Organisers emphasised Eldoret’s significance as an ideal location for the championships, with Mutai noting that as a Bronze Level event, all World Athletics guidelines and requirements have been met to ensure top-tier competition.
“As a Bronze Level event we have put in place all that is required by World Athletics in guidelines and other requirements”, said Mutai.
The stakes are higher this year,
with an enhanced prize purse
courtesy of sponsors, including Betika and the Uasin Gishu
County Government.
