The much-anticipated Great Chepsaita Cross Country run ended with Mathew Kipkoech and Dorcus Ndiema scooping the top prizes for the male and female races respectively.
The two bagged the coveted trophy at the third edition of the run held on Saturday at Chepsaita Secondary School Grounds under the theme Run for Education.
In an exhilarating 10km men’s race, Kipkoech clocked 31:49 to edge out Cornelius Konor (31:50) and Sammy Kapserem (31:51) in a dramatic three-way sprint finish. The 20-year-old, who trains in the high-altitude hub of Iten, upgraded his third-place finish from last year’s race.
“I put in more effort after last year’s show and motivated myself to keep improving,” said Kipkoech, who has been making waves with back-to-back podium finishes in European cross country meets.
Runner-up Konor, making his senior debut in Chepsaita after competing in the U20 ranks last year, described the race as “very tough” but expressed gratitude for finishing strongly.
In the elite women’s 10km, Ndiema delivered a commanding performance to finish in 35:44, ahead of Brenda Jepchirchir (36:08) and Faith Cherono (36:39).
Ndiema, who had turned 20 just a day earlier, said the victory was a perfect response to missing out on Kenya’s team for the Florida World Cross Country Championships.
“On track, I run the 5,000m, and I hope soon I can represent the country at major championships,” Ndiema said, celebrating her graduation to the senior elite ranks.
The Under-20 races saw Kelvin Kariankei dominate the 8km men’s race, finishing in 25:20, followed by Emmanuel Kipchirchir (25:27) and Alex Pelor (25:33). Kariankei, a Form Four student at Chepsaita Secondary School, credited his smart pacing and lessons from the National Cross Country Championships for his victory.
Chepkurui Joan impressed in the women’s U20 6km, crossing the finish line in 21:34 to outkick Mercy Kirwa (21:48) and Fancy Chepkorir (22:07).
The Kuresoi-based athlete admitted she had not anticipated a win but credited her rigorous preparation for success.
From the fearless minors sprinting 500m to the teens, juniors, and elite races, the Great Chepsaita Cross Country Run 2025 showcased courage, endurance, and the unyielding Kenyan spirit. Every stride on the challenging course reflected community, resilience and the promise of future champions.
by Ekuwam Sylvester & Fredrick Maritim
