Cross country: Cherotich retains title as Lang’at upsets order

Philip Lang'at leads Vincent Rono in 12km men race during the AK Prisons Cross-Country Championship Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi on 24.01 .2015. DENNIS OKEYO

Rookie Cynthia Cherotich secured a second bite at the cherry, while Philip Lang’at defied the rulebook at the Kenya Prisons Service Cross Country Championships at the Uhuru Gardens.

Lang’at and Cherotich, both representing Prisons Staff College, chalked up brilliant wins against a stellar field to secure their slots in the National Cross Country Championships set for the same venue on February 14.

Lang’at, fresh from an impressive show at Athletics Kenya’s seven-tier series, outfoxed Vincent Rono (Nyanza) and Africa Cross Country silver medalist Cornelius Kangogo in a two-way battle to stop the timer in 35:46.7 in the men’s signature race.

Vincent Rono came in second in 36:01.5, while Cornelius Kangogo was third clocking 36:07.3.
After winning the Nyahururu and Machakos AK Cross country legs, the Kericho-based Lang’at sounded his intentions ahead of the national selections, which is often billed as mini-world championships.

“I’m focusing on the nationals now. My target is to finish in top four. It’s a big challenge for me to compete at the top level this year,” said Lang’at.

Cynthia Cherotich (PSTC) was in a class of her own in the 8km women’s race. Cherotich won the race in 27:00.5 ahead of Nancy Nzisa (PSTC) to defend the title she won in 2014 at the same venue.

The 2013 Rabat Half Marathon champion raced ahead of the pack. With two laps to go, she was leading her nearest challenger Nzisa by 300 metres.

Nzisa finished second in 27:42.2 ahead of Viola Chepchumba who came in third in 27:50.0.

Selected Results:

Men
1.Philip Lang’at 35:46.7
2. Vincent Rono 36:01.5
3. Cornelius Kangogo 36:07. 3
4. Isaack Lang’at 36:11.2
5. Amos Kirui 36:15.0
6. Michael Bett 36: 21.5

Women
1. Cynthia Cherotich 27:00.5
2. Nancy Nzisa 27:42.2
3. Viola Chepchumba 27:50.0
4. Jedidah Karungu 27:52.8
5. Merceline Ondiek 27:58.5
6. Nancy Kimaiyo 28:00.6