Chebet takes lead as Mukono tops jackpot contest in junior men

“My aim was to capitalise on the first three series because I knew opposition was not stiff and one can easily win,” said the star, who will not take a rest and return to compete the circuit in her home event in Kericho on January 12 to be crown the winner.

Women race

Though Janet Kisa, Gladys Chemweno (2010 Jackpot winner), Jemimah Chelangat and Stacy Ndiwa have each collected two points by taking the runner up positions in Nyahururu, Machakos and Kisii, they are yet to compete in at least three races in the remaining series and finish in the first seven positions to qualify for the final.

Moses Mukono, a student at St Patrick’s Iten, lead the 8km junior men group with five points as a result of a victory in Mt. Elgon, Nyahururu and Kisii plus finishing second in Machakos, three other runners are trailing him after featuring in two competitions.

Points tally

Gilbert has amassed six points after he finished fourth and in second place at Nyahururu and Kisii. Katui Muia, another potential challenger in the junior men boasts from the first two meetings while Hillary Langat lies fourth with 16 points having run in the last three events.

As the jostling shift to Kangaru High School in Eastern Branch in Embu, Charles Kibet and Jairus Kipchoge would be looking for their third score in the senior men’s 12Km where they have taken strategic view with eight and 11 points each from two races.

Winners Peter Matelong (Nyahururu), Geoffrey Kirui (Machakos), Richard Sigei (Kisii) and Hosea Mwok Macharinyang must top up their point baskets by participating positively in three of the remaining legs.

There is no clear favourite in the junior women class and the rivalry is still ajar for serious fighters targeting Sh200,000 earmarked in the category. Agnes Chebet (six points), Jackline Chebwogen (seven) and Eva Cherono (nine) hold ouside chance of clinching the jackpot after two shows each.