60 athletes selected  for World Schools Cross Country Championship

Kenya has selected a total of 60 athletes to represent the country during the fast-approaching ISSF World Schools Cross Country Championships scheduled for May 12th.

Hundres of children turned up for the national trials held at Nakuru High School which was used as a dry run for the main event at the Ngong Golf Course in Nairobi.

First off were the girls under 12 1.1km race, Dorcas Chelagat clinched first place after clocking three minutes and 46 seconds. Belinda Chepkorir (03:46.6) and Joyline Jerotich (03:48.2) both from Bungoma settled for second and third positions respectively.

While Ezron Kimurgor took the spoils in the boys U12 in 3.34 as Benjamin Shikuku, took second place in 03:39.3. followed by Dominic Nyambuto who finished third in 03:41.6.

The girls, U15 2.2km race, was memorable for Faith Jeptum secured her place in Team Kenya after clocking 07:14.3 to secure her position in Team Kenya. Jane Nangari (07:16.0) and Sandra Chepchumba of Kericho (07:17.5) in second and third respectively.

“I enjoyed the ran, I came here expecting to win and fought hard for the victory. I was also in action at the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country in February.”  Said Jeptum.

Benson Kilongosi led a clean podium sweep for Rift Valley in the under 15 boys’ 3.3km race, clocking 10:01.4 in first place.

Peter Lumoryon claimed second place after timing 10:13.0 as, Dennis Kiprop, took third in 10:18.0.

The Form Two student at Kimoron Boys High School described his delight at the prospect of making his debut for Team Kenya at the global championships.

“I have been competing in the regional championships since Form One. This year, I finished fourth in the regional championships and now I have come here and won. I am looking forward to winning a medal for the World Schools Cross Country Championships and I thank God for the far he has brought me,” Kilongosi said.

Joyline Chepkemoi excelled in the Under 18 girls’ 3.3km race after crossing the timer in 10:58.5 – ahead of Mirriam Chemtai (10:59.3) and Dorcas Chepkwemoi (11:01.6) in second and third respectively.

Chepkemoi is hopeful of clinching a medal at the World Schools Cross Country Championships in what will be her third international event for Kenya.

“I was part of Team Kenya at the World Cross Country Championships last year as well as the Africa Under 20 Championships in Zambia. This time I promise my fellow countrymen and women that I will work hard to bring gold to the country,” she said.

The Under 18 boys’ 5.5km race was a titanic battle that was eventually edged by Phanuel Kipkosgei after clocking 16:20.4. Nelson Simiren crossed the finish line in 16:21.1 for second place as  Bavin Muthii clocked, 16:33.7 for third.

Speaking during the trails, Belio Kipsang , Principa Secretary at the Ministry of Education, congratulated all participants for giving their best.

“We wish you all the best as you prepare and at the opportune time, the President of the Republic of Kenya shall meet you to flag you off for the championships,” the PS said.

The team will soon enter residential training camp in a at a later date ahead of the championships, which have so far attracted 23 countries from around the world.

Team Kenya

Boys under 12 (1.1km)

1. Ezron Kimurgor (Rift Valley)
2. Benjamin Shikuku (Rift Valley)
3. Dominic Nyambuto (Nyanza)
4. Joshua Cherobo (Western)
5. Edwin Odinga (Western)
6. Fobian Kiplangat (Western)
7. Joshua Kiplimo (Western)
8. Dennis Kipiwot (Rift Valley)
9. Jaffin Ronny (Western)
10. Derrick Shikuku (Western)

Girls Under 12 (1.1km)

1. Dorcas Chelagat (Rift Valley)
2. Belinda Chepkorir (Western)
3. Joyline Jerotich (Western)
4. Sheila Chepkosgei (Rift Valley)
5. Mitchel Chebet (Western)
6. Ruth Cherotich (Western)
7. Abigael Chelimo (Western)
8. Rita Chemutai (Western)
9. Sheila Chepkoech (Rift Valley)
10. Ivy Chepkosgei (Rift Valley)

Boys under 15 (3.3km)

1. Benson Kilongosi (Rift Valley)
2. Peter Lumoryon (Rift Valley)
3. Dennis Kiprop (Rift Valley)
4. Solomon Kiprono (Rift Valley)
5. Dan Kibet (Western)
6. Samuel Otuta (Rift Valley)
7. Cleophas Koromon (Rift Valley)
8. Victor Kibet (Rift Valley)
9. Ian Kipkoech (Elgeyo Marakwet)
10. Davis Ingila (Western)

Girls Under 15 (2.2km)

1. Faith Jeptum (Rift Valley)
2. Jane Nangari (Rift Valley)
3. Sandra Chepchumba (Rift Valley)
4. Gloria Chelimo (Rift Valley)
5. Hazel Kipyegon (Rift Valley)
6. Faith Chepkirui (Rift Valley)
7. Esther Mwihaki (Rift Valley)
8. Ebra Chebet (Rift Valley)
9. Clare Cheruto (Rift Valley)
10. Mitchel Jepchumba (Rift Valley)

Boys Under 18 (5.5km)

1. Phanuel Kipkosgei (Rift Valley)
2. Nelson Simiren (Eastern)
3. Bavin Muthii (Central)
4. Kelvin Kiprop (Rift Valley)
5. Bernard Kikumbi (Eastern)
6. Brian Kiptoo Ng’etich (Rift Valley)
7. Perminus Tinega (Nyanza)
8. Elly Kiplimo (Western)
9. Victor Kiptum (Rift Valley)
10. Rooney Balala (Nyanza)

Girls Under 18 (3.3km)

1. Diana Chepkemoi
2. Joyline Chepkemoi (Rift Valley)
3. Mirriam Chemtai (Rift Valley)
4. Dorcas Chepkwemoi (Western)
5. Mary Nyaboke (Nyanza)
6. Abigael Chebet (Rift Valley)
7. Dorcas Isoe (Nyanza)
8. Mirriam Wangui (Rift Valley)
9. Venenza Chebet (Western)
10. Sheila Chepngeno (Rift Valley)