Nyandarua County dominated Athletics Kenya Central region cross country championships with Under-18 2000m steeplechase Champion Mercy Chepkirui topping women’s 10km event at Muranga Teachers Training College on Saturday.
Nyahururu-based Chepkirui, who is trained by Jacob Langat controlled the race from the start to finish before cutting the tape in 34:00.41.
Lydia Njeri, the younger sister of marathoner Martin Mathathi was second in 34:19.08 while Mary Nyaruai closed the podium in 34:29.66.
“I am delighted with my victory. I will be happy to replicate the same performance at the nationals in Nairobi. This was also my preparation for my upcoming indoors series in Europe,” said Chepkirui.
The men’s 10km developed into a contest between Emmanuel Kiprop, Reuben Mosine and Joel Maina.
The three exchanged the lead throughout the loop before Kiprop, running for Nyandarua, produced killer acceleration to win the race in 29:24.00 with Mosine also of Nyandarua finishing second in 29:26.06. Maina of Kiambu County sealed third place in 29:30.03.
In the Under-20 races, Esther Wambui led a podium sweep in women’s 6km race for Nyandarua -- winning the race in 19:36.13 with Margaret Akidor (20:29.09) in second and Cynthia Mbaire closing the podium in 20:34.08.
In the corresponding men’s event Antony Maina again led Nyandarua’s dominance as they posted a 1-2-3 victory. Maina clocked 23:10.06, followed by Peter Kamau in 23:25.09. Simon Saidimu timed 23:28.11.
Central were using the meet to pick the team to the National Cross Country Championships to set for February 8 in Nairobi where a team to the Africa Cross Country set for Lome, Togo, on March 1 will be selected.
Five counties participated in the meeting including Nyandarua, Nyeri, Kiambu, Kirinyaga and Muranga.
Athletics Kenya Central region chairman David Miano also disclosed that AK will conduct a one-day anti-doping seminar on February 7 in Nairobi as required by AIU before national trials.
