Newly-crowned Lille 10km silver medalist Emmaculate Anyango and Commonwealth Games 5,000m bronze medalist Nicholas Kimeli have trained their eyes on the 2024 World Cross Country Championships in Belgrade, Serbia.
The duo won the 5th and final Athletics Kenya Cross Country weekend meeting in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet county.
“This is my last race as I wait for the national trials. I want to win a ticket to the World Cross Country Championships,” said Anyango.
Despite running on a muddy slippery and hilly course, Anyango said she was unperturbed as she sought to perform well on her home race.
“I did not feel any difficulties in the race because I am used to this cold weather,” added the reigning Discovery Kenya cross country champion.
Kimeli, the World Road Running 5,000m bronze medalist, also ran his last cross country race and will now focus on the national trials too.
“I came to run here as part of my training ahead of the 2024 season, where I target the World Cross Country Championships and Paris Olympic Games. I hope next year will be a good year for me,” said Kimeli.
“I will still discuss with my coach (Patrick Sang) to see what we can improve on before trials."
Kimeli won the 10km senior men's title in 30:05, followed by Weldon Langat (30:13.6). Asbel Kiprop completed the podium places in 30:17.9 with Robert Kiprop fourth in 30:30.5.
Johanna Erot bagged his second title in the 8km junior men's race in 24:25.8, ahead of Gideon Kipngetich 24:53:3 and national secondary schools 3,000m steeplechase champion Mathew Kosgey (25:02:9).
Erot is also the Mt Elgon Cross Country winner.
Africa under 18 2,000m steeplechase bronze medalist Diana Chepkemoi won the 6km junior women's title in 20:38.5 ahead of Maureen Chepkoech (20:52:2) and Nancy Cherop (21:01:5).
Selected Results
Senior Women
Immaculate Anyango 33:22:5
Betty Jepkemoi 34:19:0
Deborah Samum 35:08:2
Caren Chebet 35:20:9
Edina Kibiwott 35:25:3
Senior Men
Nicholas Kimeli 30:05:0
Weldon Lagat 30:13:6
Asbel Kiprop 30:17:9
Robert Kiprop 30:30:5
Raphael Dabash 30:51:0
Junior Women 6km
Diana Chepkemoi 20:38:5
Maureen Chepkoech 20:52:2
Nancy Cherop 21:01:5
Clare Cheruto 21:06:5
Marion Jepngetich 21:12:2
Junior Men 8km
Johanna Erot 24:25:8
Gideon Kipngetich 24:53:3
Matthew Kosgey 25:02:9
Anthony Kibiwott 25:24:1
Cornelius Kiptoo 25:40:2
