Kipkorir and Cherono top Ndalat Gaa cross country

NDALAT RACE Nicholas Kipkoror celebrates after winning senior men 12 kilometers race nduring Ndalat Gaa Isaiah Kiplagat memorial 9th edition cross country in Nandi County yesterday. 14.10.2017. PHHOTOS BY PETER OCHIENG/STANDARD.

Noah Kipkorir and Sandra Cherono yesterday produced superlative showing at the ninth Ndalat Gaa cross country meeting in Nandi County.

The race, which has been renamed Isaiah Kiplagat Memorial after the former Athletics Kenya President, attracted huge crowds.

Kipkorir made a daring charge in the second lap and Bernard Kipkemboi, Mathew Kisoai, Sammy Kivai, Vedic Cheruiyot, Lokitany Rhonzas and Barnaba Kosgei responded.

The scintillating pace separated boys from the men even as Kipkorir went on tearing the field to shreds, strolling to victory in 31:05.6. Noah Kipkemboi (31:10.0) and Emmanuel Bor (31:14.4) followed.

“It was a tough race. But as it progressed, I realised I could win. I never performed well last year here. I am looking forward to make the team to Commonwealth Games (in Gold Coast, Australia in April next year),” said Kipkorir

But a runner-up spot was a surprising for Kipkemboi.  “Finishing second is a surprise. After two laps I felt that it was tough, but pressure from my competitors who urged me on inspired me a lot. I never wanted to let them down. Last year I was position 16 and came here targeting a top-10 finish,” said Kipkemboi.

In women’s 8 km race, Sandra Cherono clocked 28:07.6 ahead of Everline Cherono (28:31.0) and Pascalia Jepkorir (28:40.3).

“I am happy for the win. It’s an indicator that I can do better,” said Cherono.

In the men’s junior race, Rhonex Kipruto clocked 24:34.9 ahead of Vincent Kiprotich (24:35.6) and Edward Zakayo (24:39.3) while Mariam Cherop (21:23.7) trounced Beatrice Chebet (21:27.0). [Joan Letting]