Kipruto to defend Discovery Kenya cross country title

Rhonex Kipruto of Kimwogo High School leads in the 8 kilometer race to the finish line during Kanya Secondary School Term One games at State House Girls on Friday, April 14, 2017. [PHOTO: JONAH ONYANGO/STANDARD]

Fresh from setting a new world record in 10km, Rhonex Kipruto will defend his title at 29th Discovery Kenya Cross Country Championships on Sunday.

Kipruto, the reigning world under 20 10,000m champion, won last year's race in 30:40.3 and then set a new world record in 10km of 26 minutes and 24 seconds at Valencia Ibercaja in Spain on January 12.

The 20-year-old Kipruto, who is the world 10,000m bronze medalist, shaved 14 seconds of Uganda’s Joshua Chetegei a six-week-old world record and looks set to light up Eldoret Sports Club on Sunday.

Kipruto uses the cross country season to prepare for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games where he's eyeing a good show in 10,000m.

Brilliant Jepkorir, the 10 Mile Crim race champion, will be back for another shot at the title.

Abraham Mutai, the race organizer and Central Rift AK chairman, said they expect a high standard competition.

“All arrangements have been made. We expect a more competitive race on Sunday. We are glad that Rhonex Kipruto and Brilliant Jepkorir will defend their titles,” said Mutai.

He said Discovery Kenya Cross Country, which is among the oldest races in Eldoret, has produced top athletes for the last 28 years.

World marathon record holder Brigid Kosgei, former Boston marathon winner Elijah Lagat, three-time world 1,500m champion Asbel Kiprop and world half marathon record holder Geoffrey Kamworor are among top stars who stirred their talents at the race.

“Discovery is so far the race that has produced top athletes in track, cross country and road running. It has attracted athletes from neighbouring countries,” said Mutai.

David Letting, who has guided the national team to global assignments, said: “Kamworor and Agnes Tirop will compete on Sunday. Our focus as coaches will be the junior athletes because that is where our athletics future lie,” Letting said.

He said at least 5,000 runners are expected this year compared to 3,000 last year.