Mutunga and Chelagat win in Nairobi meet

Chespol Celliphine Chesteek Chespol on her way to victory in the 6km junior women race at the Nairobi cross country championships held at Posta Grounds on January 30. PHOTO: DENNIS OKEYO/STANDARD

Patrick Mutunga and Joyline Chelagat won the senior 10km titles in the Nairobi cross country championships yesterday.

In the junior race, World 2000m steeplechase champion Celliphine Chesteek Chespol emerged victorious in the competition held at the the windy Nairobi’s Posta grounds.

Former World cross country junior bronze medalist bronze medalist Mutunga broke away from the leading pack that included Hillary Maiyo, Wilson Meli and David Kilonzo with 4km to go to clinch the senior men title in 28:11.2.

Former Strasbourg Half Marathon champion Maiyo was second in 28:59.4 followed by Meli who 29:16.7.

“For me, the race was easy. I was using it as my preparation for the forthcoming national cross country trials on February 13.

“I know the real challenge is there. But I hope to give my best and make Kenya’s team for the Africa meet in Yaoundé, Cameroon," said Mutunga who trains at Ngong Hills.

After finishing a disappointing 13th position at the Kenya Defence Force in Nyahururu on Friday, Joyline Chelagat’s hope of running her first national trials was realised when she finished top in the senior women race after clocking 34:07.2.

Susan Kosgei was second after stopping the watch in 34:25.1 followed by Emily Samoei (34:26.3).

“I have finally realised my dream of running at the national trials. I ran against the best here and I feel excited to make the Nairobi team,” Chelagat said.

Chespol easily won the junior women race.

The Riruta Central Secondary School student was in a class of her own finishing the 6km race in 19:39.7.