Kipkirui, Chepkoech reign in Nairobi Cross Country junior races

Embakasi's Dennis Kipkirui in Under-20 men's 8km race at Nairobi Cross Country

Embakasi's Dennis Kipkirui leads the Under-20 men's 8km race during the Athletics Kenya Nairobi Cross Country Championships at the Kenya Prisons Service ground, Nairobi West on January 15, 2022.

Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group

What you need to know:

  • Kipkirui took command from the first lap of the four-lap race before winning in 22 minutes and 49.2 seconds as athletes from Embakasi claimed all the podium places
  • Chepkoech, a Form Two student at Saramek Secondary School, Kericho, timed 19:33.9 to triumph and make amends after finishing fifth last year
  • Chepkoech outclassed compatriot Triza Cherotich to second place in 19:49.2 as another Lang'ata athlete Yvonne Chepchirchir clocked 20:02.9 for third place

Dennis Kipkirui and Florence Chepkoech are the Under-20 winners of the 2022 Athletics Kenya Nairobi Cross Country Championships.

Kipkirui took command from the first lap of the four-lap race before winning in 22 minutes and 49.2 seconds as athletes from Embakasi claimed all the podium places.

Nehemiah Kipyegon timed 25:59.6 for second place followed by Peter Kibui in third in 23:03.0.

"It was a beautiful race with no big challenge. My focus now is the nationals where I hope for improved show after finishing fifth last year," said Kipkirui.

Florence Chepkoech leads U-20 women's 6km race at Nairobi Cross Country

Lang'ata's Florence Chepkoech leads the Under-20 women's 6km race during the Athletics Kenya Nairobi Cross Country Championships at the Kenya Prisons Service ground, Nairobi West on January 15, 2022.

Photo credit: Chris Omollo | Nation Media Group

Chepkoech, a Form Two student at Saramek Secondary School, Kericho, timed 19:33.9 to triumph and make amends after finishing fifth last year.

Chepkoech outclassed team mate Triza Cherotich to second place in 19:49.2 as another Lang'ata athlete Yvonne Chepchirchir clocked 20:02.9 for third place.

"I might have led all through but it was a tough race with the rough and stony course making things interesting," said Chepkoech, who has set her sights on performing better at the National Cross Country Championships due January 22 in Lobo Village, Eldoret.

"I am looking for improved performance after i finished 13th last year at the nationals," said Chepkoech.