Nairobi picks team ahead of national cross country

Sandra Felis Chebet triumphed in the Nairobi cross country on Sunday at Nairobi West Prisons Ground to set stage for the grueling national championships set for Saturday at Ngong Race Course.

Athletics Kenya will use the weekend's championships to select the national team for the Africa cross country, which is scheduled for March 6-7 in Lome, Togo.

Chebet (33:48.5) took command of the race from the gun to win the women’s 10km event with Emily Chebet coming in econd in 35:07.8. Margaret Nduta was third in a time of 34:41.6.

“Last year, I was among the top six athletes who were selected to present Kenya at the Africa cross country but Coronavirus ruined our chance. I hope to display the same performance and quality again on Saturday,” said Chebet, who has won the last three regional editions.

In the men's race, Naibei Kiplimo revealed his intentions of being among the athletes to watch in the national trials when he surged clear in the last lap to win in 40:04.77.

Peter Mwaniki (40:09.42) was second and Shadrack Masai took home bronze medal in 30:14.05.

Trizah Cherotich (21:25.6) retained her Nairobi cross country title after dominating the women’s under-20 6km event.

Dorcas Chepkemoi was second in 21:49.0 ahead of Regina Wambui, who registered 22:36.9.

Fresh from finishing sixth at Prisons cross country championships, Victor Chepkwony stormed to easy victory in men’s under-20 8km event to issue a warning to his opponents at Saturday's national meet.

Chepkwony clocked 24:42.3 ahead of Jackson Kikana (25:00.0) with Onesmus Kibosi closing the podium in 25:50.3. 

“My ultimate target is to make the national team to the Africa cross country championships. I’m ready to battle for top position on Saturday,” said Chepkwony.

Cherotich, who finished 12th at last week’s Discovery cross country in Eldoret, said:

“It’s good to come here and defend the title. I’m satisfied with the results ahead of national championships.”