New winners crowned at Discovery Kenya Cross Country

Robert Kiprop and newcomer Daisy Cherotich emerged winners of the 30th edition of the Discovery Kenya Cross Country Championships held at Sports Club, Eldoret in Uasin Gishu County Sunday.

The race, which attracted many athletes with less crowds due to the Covid-19 protocols, registered mixed reactions with elite athletes shown dust.

Kiprop, who is the 5,000m Africa champion, ran a tactical race staying with the leading pack before increasing his pace in the last lap following Rodgers Kwemoi closely.

He maintained the pace before surging forward in the last 500m to bag victory in a time of 30:17.8 ahead of the defending champion Nicholas Kimeli, who clocked 30:20.8, while Rodgers Kwemoi was third in 30:25.3.

Kiprop said that he was looking forward to compete in the National trials event scheduled for February 13 in Nairobi.

“I’m happy with the results and this has given me more energy to prepare for the national event in Nairobi where I’m looking forward to make the team that will be heading to the Africa Cross Country Championships,” he said.

“We have a few months to the Olympic Games and I want to continue training hard so that I can make the team that will be heading to Tokyo.Tokyo. The 5,000m race is always competitive, but I want to do my best and make the team,” said Kiprop.

In the women's category, a newcomer stunned the rich field to carry the day.

Cherotich, who trains in Kapsabet, Nandi County, said that she was happy with her performance and is aiming for a good outing at the National trials.

She crossed the line after timing 33:53.6 ahead Eva Cherono, who clocked 34:01.9, while Eunice Chumba was in third position after timing 34:15.7.

“It was a tough race and after three laps, I decided to step forward and when I saw no one was reacting, I decided to maintain the pace to the finish line. My target now is to represent my region (Central Rift) during the nationals where I want to be in the team for Africa Cross Country Championships,” said Cherotich.

Selected results

6km women
1.    Marion Jepngetich     20:55.4
2.    Jackline Jepkoech      21:05.1
3.    Sharon Jerono           21:10.2
4.    Brenda Jepchumba   21:27.2
5.    Zena Jeptoo                21:29.5
8km junior men
1.    Gideon Rono              24:01.6
2.    Brian Kiprop              24:31.7
3.    Emmanuel Maru        24:36.9
4.    Emmanuel Kiplagat   24:39.4
5.    Levy Kibet                  24:43.5
10km senior women
1.    Daisy Cherotich         33:53.6
2.    Eva Cherono              34:01.9
3.    Eunice Chebichii        34:15.7
4.    Gladys Chepkurui      34:26.2
5.    Valary Jemeli              34:31.3
10km senior men 
1.    Robert Kiplagat         30:17.8
2.    Nicholas Kimeli          30:20.8
3.    Rodgers Kwemoi       30:25.3
4.    Titus Kiprotich          30:28.1
5.    Rhonex Kipruto         30:33.5