Kiyaka, Koskei rule Nyanza North Cross Country meet

Siaya County's David Kiyaka on his way to winning 10km cross country race during the Nyanza cross country trials at Kisumu Polytechnic yesterday. [Michael Mute, Standard]

Dennis Kiyaka and Magdaline Koskei are the winners of the 2023 Athletics Kenya (AK) Nyanza North Regional Cross Country Championships.

Kiyaka won the men's 10 kilometres race staged at the Kisumu Polytechnic grounds in Kisumu yesterday.

The 33-year-old from Siaya County clocked 36 minutes and 42.41 to pip Benard Bii from Kisumu County to second place in 37:12.93.

Victor Otieno also from Kisumu County settled for the third spot in 37:44.61 followed by Brian Otieno and Evance Omondi also from Kisumu who clocked in 38:51.21 and 41:31.62 respectively.

"Age is just a number. I want to be an inspiration to our young lads from the vast Nyanza region that we can also excel in athletics. That is why I am eying a ticket to the World Championships," said Kiyaka who has turned his focus to the National Cross Country finals.

In the women's category that witnessed slow times, Koskei outpaced a field of six participants to finish first in 67:23.48.

Jacinta Akinyi and Jackline Jeptoo followed in second and third with a time of 81:55.33 and 83:07.89 respectively while Yusilah Jepkorir (89:02.64) closed the top four.

Elsewhere, Winny Kimutai and Charles Lokir won the North Rift Regional Cross Country Championships held at Kenyatta Stadium in Maralal, Samburu County.

Trans Nzoia-based Kimutai crossed the line in 32 minutes 53.93 seconds beating team mate Zenah Jemutai to second place in 33:09.11 while Veronica Loleo from Samburu was third in 33:15.25.

In the men's 10km senior category, Japan-based Lokir from West Pokot County clocked 28:31.88 to emerge the winner despite a slow start.

His teammate Reuben Longosiwa came in second in 28:31.89 while Dennis Kipng'etich from Elgeyo Marakwet County sealed the podium positions in 28:35.05.

The top performers will battle for slots for this year's World Cross Country Championships at the National Cross Country Championships that will be held at Kenya Prisons Training College in Ruiru, Kiambu County on January 21. [Washington Onyango]