KDF COMEBACK TALES: Soldiers now have work cut out in athletics trials

By JONATHAN KOMEN

Comeback tales marked the 34th Kenya Defence Forces cross-country meet at the Sina Makosa course circuit in Moi Airbase, Nairobi, on Saturday.

The showpiece, which saw the freshly minted soldiers battle the senior brigade even as criticism dogged KDF’s dismal cross-country performance, paid put when the victors vowed to dispel the claims. 

They look ready to stop any aggression at the national trials-cum-IAAF Permit Meeting at Ngong Racecourse on February 15.

The event was a litmus test for KDF on whether they can marshal a strong overall national and team title and secure prized tickets to the third Africa Cross-Country Championships in Kampala, Uganda, on March 24.

KDF has produced all the six Kenyan world cross-country 12km champions, save for reigning champion Japhet Korir. They include a pair of five-times winner John Ngugi and Paul Tergat; two-time winner William Sigei; Joseph Ebuya and the late Some Muge, who was Kenya’s first world cross-country medalist.

Flashed a salute

Thomas Nyariki and John Kibowen, the four-kilometre winner at the 1998 world cross-country, are other stars from KDF.

That must have raced through Leonard Oloitiptip’s mind when he flashed a salute to his boss, Chief of Defence Forces Dr Julius Karangi, on his way to victory.

The Laikipia-based runner proved he was no pushover against the big guns in 12km race — and he, at best, reaffirmed the KDF maxim that ‘soldiers say never die’ in all endeavours. 

Give our best

The 24-year-old Oloitiptip said: “This sport (athletics) is so unpredictable. It’s like gambling though the level of competition now has become so competitive. We will give our best at the national trials.”

Newcomers Kiprono Menjo and Reuben Limaa were also a cut above the top cream, finishing inside the top-ten bracket in seventh and 10th respectively.

Ebuya, who stunned the world in 2010 when he broke an 11-year-old gold drought in 12km, emerged from the woodworks after two seasons out of action.

“I am back and now focus on the Africa cross-country championships in Uganda,” he said.

Former Africa Military Games champion Sammy Kipketer, Patrick Ivuti and former world junior sensation Bernard Kaptingei were among KDF cross-country returnees on Saturday.

It was particularly exciting for world championships runner Peninah Arusei, who staged her return from maternity leave.

Arusei, who is married to three-time Sazburgh half marathon Josphat Rotich, finished the race and then went straight to wash her hands and then breastfed her nine-month-old baby Faith Chepng’etich.

“I am happy I could use KDF championships to stage my return. I have tested speed and endurance and now prepare for a race next April, which I have not settled on,” said Arusei.