National Cross Country Championships: Cherotich, Jepchumba headline junior race

Roseline Chepngetich leads Daisy Jepkemei in 6km junior women race during the IAAF Permit/KCB National Cross Country Championship at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi. [PHOTO/DENNIS OKEYO]

The women’s Under-20 look as compelling as their senior counterparts, drawing titanic battles.

It will be a real battle between Trizah Cherotich of Nairobi, Brenda Jepchumba of Central Rift and Zena Chemutai of North Rift as they compete for the national title.

Jepchumba, who trains in Kamwosor in Keiyo South and was the winner of the Discovery Kenya cross country crown, will represent Central Rift.

Other runners to look out for in Central Rift include Deborah Jemutai, Zena Jeptoo, Millicent Jepkoech, Judy Kogei and Ruth Chematia.

“Brenda is eager to impress. After winning the Discovery meet, she has gained a lot of confidence and I expect her to shake off competitors on Saturday and make the Africa cross country team,” said Ruth Bundotich, who coaches Jepchumba.

North Rift will bank on the experience of Feliciana Jepkosgei, Chemutai, Sheila Chebiwott, Betty Kipkore and Emmy Jebiwott.

Triza Cherotich Winner U20 6km Girls during Nairobi Region cross country championship at Nairobi west prison, in Nairobi. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

South Rift will have Purity Chepkurui, Judy Chepkoech, Maureen Cherotich, Naomi Chepkorir, Edna Chepkemoi and Faith Chepkoech.

Nairobi’s Trizah Cherotich will team up with Dorcas Chepkemoi, Regina Wambui, Daisila Cherono and Diana Chepkorir.  

“My training towards the national trials has been uninterrupted and I hope to make the team to Africa cross country in Togo,” said Cherotich, who is trained by Paul Kemei at Lemotit camp in Londiani.

Esther Wambui, Rosemary Longisa, Ruth Gacheru, Purity Murugi and Pauline Wanjiru will put on Central Region colours.

Southern have Sharon Ndanu, Ann Mwongeza, Elizabeth Mueni, Josephine Musyoki and Tabitha Masya leading their team.