Krop, Jebitok win Mt Elgon cross country titles

Seasoned middle distance runner Jacob Krop and Edinah Jebitokon Saturday won senior men and women’s races of Athletics Kenya Cross Country Weekend Meeting held in Kapsokwony, Mount Elgon in Bungoma County.

Krop ran from the front to win Saturday’s race in 30 minutes,26.81 seconds ahead of Samwel Kibet who clocked 31:03.35 while Reuben Longosiwa sealed the podium places in 31:19.70.

Afterwards, Krop said that he had prepared well for the race in anticipation of victory which would be a good launching pad for the season.

The athlete, who finished sixth in men’s 5,000 metres final at the 2019 World Athletics Championships in Doha, hopes to represent Kenya  in the forthcoming Agnes Tirop World Cross Country Tour slated for February 12 next year in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.

“I didn’t compete in Iten (Cross Country Championship) last weekend because I was preparing for this race and I’m happy I managed to win here. This is part of my build-up for the World Cross Country Tour scheduled for Eldoret where I hope to start my season with victory. Afterwards, I shall move to track races in my specialty of 5,000m,” said Krop.

In senior women’s 10km category, Jebitok proved too strong for her opponents, breaking off early in the race and leading  all the way to the tape.

She clocked 34:01.91 ahead of Nelly Cheptoo who timed 35:16.59. Alice Aprot finished third after timing 35:41.10.

Jebitok, a Form Two student at Chepton Secondary School in Nandi County, said she was uplifted by the victory, coming before the start of the track season.

Apart from planning to compete in the World Cross Country Tour in February next year, Jebitok also hopes to be in Team Kenya for the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Oregon, Eugene.

“I’m happy with my performance here, having won in Iten last weekend. It shows that I’m in good shape and I just want to maintain top form until we get to the national trials next year. It has been delicate act, balancing education and sports but I’m delighted to have done both fairly well,” said Jebitok.

“I competed in the 2020 Olympic Games in August and got some experience and my target is to prepare well and be in the podium in the next world event. I’m still young and I know I will go places,” added Jebitok.

Brian Kiptoo won the junior men’s 8km race after crossing the line in 24:57.40 ahead of Dismas Yego who timed 25:09.73 while Timothy Kibet settled for third place in 25:18. 49.

In junior women’s 6km category, Edna Chepkemoi won after crossing the line in 21:05.85 ahead of Deborah Chemtai who timed 21:13.26 while Grace Lolbach timed 21:32.96.
The final meeting shall be held in Sotik on December 5.