Obiri defends KDF Cross Country title

Hellen Obiri from Laikipia Air Base has successfully defended her women's 10km Kenya Defense Forces Cross Country title at the 41st edition held at the Moi Air Base in Nairobi on Friday. 

Status quo remained as Obiri won in 32 minutes, 49.50 seconds followed by Joyce Chepkemoi (33:12.04) and 2020 winner Sheila Chepkirui (33:24.01) respectively. 

Two-time world champion Obiri led in all the five laps despite having 2021 runners-up Chepkemoi and 2020 champion Chepkirui for company in the first three laps. Obiri broke from the lead group after the third lap.

“I will start with the Half Marathons and then do track. There’s the World Championship and Commonwealth Games coming up. I will do 5,000 metres,” said Obiri when asked about her plans for 2022.

She was supposed to race in the San Silvestre Vallecana Madrid on December 31 but did not after returning a positive Covid-19 test. “Before the Madrid race, I had challenges but kuvunjika kwa mwiko si mwisho wa upishi (my no-show in Madrid was not the end of the world).”

Sixty-four athletes competed in the women's race. 

Top 15 men and top 15 women runners from the senior 10 kilometers race qualify to represent KDF at national cross country championship set for January 22 at Kapseret in Uasin Gishu.

Thirteen teams from the Kenya Defense Forces are taking part namely Lanet, Nanyuki, Garissa, Isiolo, Embakasi, Thika, Moi Air Base, Marsabit, Gilgil, Laikipia Air Base, Mtongwe and Nairobi and defending champions Kahawa Garrison.

The event was graced by Cabinet Secretary for Defence Eugene Wamalwa. 

Selected results 

1.Hellen Obiri (Laikipia Air Base) 32:49.50

2.Joyce Chepkemoi (Laikipia Air Base) 33:12.31

3.Sheila Chepkirui (Thika) 33:24.03

4.Purity Komen (Isiolo) 33:36.22

5.Pauline Korikwang (Moi Air Base) 33:52.15

6.Perine Nengapi (Moi Air Base) 33:54.75

7.Valentine Chepkoech (Lanet) 33:56.93

8.Nespine Jepleting (Isiolo) 33:59.78,

9.Dorcas Kimeli (Moi Air Base) 34:02.29

10.Sela Jepleting (Lanet) 34:05.90