Fast-rising Kimnyang, Chelagat win in Kisii

Fast-rising Richard Kimnyang from Baringo County was in fine form as he cut the tape in 28 minutes, 58.4 seconds to claim victory in the men’s 10km race in the fourth leg of Athletics Kenya Cross Country Series at Kisii Golf Club on Saturday.

Davis Kiplangat, the 2015 Commonwealth Youth Games 3000m champion, was second in 29:02:4.

Kiplangat says he is now focused on making the Kenyan team to the World Cross Country Championships in March at next month’s National Cross Country Championships cum trials in Eldoret.

“The season has not been bad but I have laid out my plans for next month’s trials where I am targeting the senior title, he said.

Gilbert Kimyaa was third in 29:04:8 ahead of Elvis Cheboi (29:16:4) and Gedion Kimgetic (29:21:0) who rounded off the top five. In the women’s 10km race, Kericho’s Josephine Chelagat romped home to victory in 34:01:9 followed by Margaret Wangare (34:02:2) and Quallyne Kiprob (34:15:5).

Chelagat needed medical attention after collapsing on the finish line.

“I’m used to flat fields and when I reached this place I knew it will be a tough test,” she said.

In junior men’s 8km race, Cleophas Kandie registered 23:04:6 to win ahead of Duncan Kiprotich in close second on 23:09 and Gedion Rono in 23:11:05.

Janet Chepkoech clocked 19:36:7 to emerge victorious in the women’s junior race as Jane Ghati (19:42:0) finished second with Vanis Cherono (19:46:2) third.

Silibwet Athletics Club’s Winfred Mbithe, Miriam Cherop, Leonard Bett and Bernard Kipkorir won the mixed relay ahead of the Kenya Police team of Emily Cherotich, Elgar Laliana, Gilbert Kwemo and Wilberforce Kones.