Sabastian Sawe and Agnes Jebet Ngetich emerged victorious in a fierce battle of athleticism and endurance at the Kenyan Cross Country Championships held at the Kenya Prisons Staff College in Ruiru on Saturday.
Sawe, the world half marathon champion, and Ngetich, the world 10km record-holder, conquered a challenging course and tough competition to clinch the senior titles.
In the men’s senior race, Sawe faced stiff competition from the likes of two-time world cross-country champion Geoffrey Kamworor and world U20 cross-country champion Ishmael Kipkirui.
Despite starting towards the back of the pack, Sawe executed a strategic surge in the final stretch, ultimately crossing the finish line in 28:39. Samwel Chebolei Masai secured second place with a time of 28:39, followed closely by Gideon Rono in third with 28:42.
Reflecting on his victory, Sawe acknowledged the intensity of the competition and emphasized his preparation for the upcoming World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Belgrade, where he aims to improve upon his previous performance.
In the women’s senior race, Ngetich showcased her prowess alongside fellow elite athletes such as world cross-country champion Beatrice Chebet and Lilian Kasait.
Ngetich’s strategic surge in the final meters propelled her to victory in a time of 31:51, closely followed by Emmaculate Anyango Acholi in second with 31:54, and Lilian Kasait in third with 31:57.
Ngetich expressed her excitement at representing her country again and her determination to bring home a medal from Belgrade.
The championships also saw impressive performances in the U20 categories, with Sheila Chebet and Samuel Kibathi emerging as the victors in the women’s and men’s races, respectively.
With the top six athletes from each race expected to secure spots on the Kenyan team for the World Cross Country Championships in Belgrade, Sawe, Ngetich, and other standout performers are poised to represent their country on the global stage, showcasing Kenya’s rich talent pool and tradition of excellence in distance running.
Leading results
Senior women (10km)
1 Agnes Jebet Ngetich 31:51
2 Emmaculate Anyango Acholi 31:54
3 Lilian Kasait Lengeruk 31:57
4 Beatrice Chebet
5 Margaret Chelimo Kipkemboi
6 Cinthia Chepngeno
Senior men (10km)
1 Sabastian Sawe 28:39
2 Samwel Chebolei Masai 28:39
3 Gideon Rono 28:42
4 Geoffrey Kamworor
5 Benson Kiplangat
6 Ishmael Kipkirui
U20 women (6km)
1 Sheila Chebet 19:31
2 Deborah Chemutai 19:32
3 Nancy Cherop 19:34U20 men (8km)
1 Samwel Kibathi 22:38
2 Charles Rotich 22:39
3 Mathew Kipkoech Kipruto 22:45
