Cross country: Kosgei and Jepkemei triumph in Kapsokwony AK meeting

Alice Aprot leads in senior women 10km race during the National Cross Country Championship at Uhuru Gardens on Feb 18, 2017.[PHOTO/DENNIS OKEYO/STANDARD]

Lawi Kosgei and Daisy Jepkemei shrug off a strong field and a hot weather conditions to win at the third stop of Athletics Kenya Cross Country Series in Kapsokwony, Mount Elgon yesterday. 

Kosgei, the 2015 World Youth 1500m bronze crossed the line in 31:02.0 ahead of Kibet Chesumbai who timed 31:04.5 in the 10km senior men contest. 

Robert Kiprop was briefly challenged by the fast-finishing Mathew Kimeli but held on to close the podium in 31:07.5. 

In the senior women event, Daisy Jepkemei from Iten took command of the race from the midway to top the field that included the experienced Alice Aprot. 

Coached by Kenneth Kipyego, Jepkemei timed 34:52.7 ahead of Kericho-based police officer Sheila Chelangat who finished the race in 35:25.0. Beatrice Chepkemoi crossed the line in 35:37.7 to edge out the 2016 African 10000m champion Aprot who settled for fourth place timing 35:41.1.

In the 8km junior men, Michael Kibet (24:22.8) emerged victorious beating Charles Karuri (24:32.1) to the second place while Gideon Kipngetich timed 24:49.0 to finish the race in third place. Edwin Kiplangat  (24:54.3) was fourth. 

The junior 6km event women race was a closely contested with Winny Kimutai narrowly beating Emmaculate Chepkorir to win the race in 21:15.2. 

Chepkorir romped home second in 21:16.8 while Monica Chirchir (21:21.0) finished third ahead of Emmaculate Anyango who finished fourth in 21:28.2.

After Kapsokwony, the series head to Kisii County on January 12, before culminating at the National Cross Country Championships set for February 23, at the Eldoret Sports Club, Uasin Gishu County where Kenya’s team will be picked to represent the country at the World Cross Country Championships that will be held on March 30 in Aarhus, Denmark. [Dennis Okeyo]