Ediwn Kiplangat Bett wins the secong leg of Athletics Kenya Kapsokwany Cross Country Meeting, on Saturday 26, 2024 at the Kapsokwany Boys Secondary School in Bungoma County.Photo: Athletics Kenya
Edwin Kiplangat and Diana Chepkorir emerged victorious in the men’s and women’s 10km races, respectively, at the Athletics Kenya Betika Cross Country event in Kisii (Saturday 4th). Meanwhile, Joyline Chepkemoi and Emmanuel Someki Lemiso delivered stellar performances in the under-20 categories.
In the senior women’s 10km, Chepkorir’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. Taking the lead at the halfway mark, she displayed precision and strength to finish in an impressive 33:05.4. Janeth Chepngetich (33:32.8) gave a valiant effort to secure second place with her powerful and graceful stride. Gladys Kwamboka completed the podium with a strong finish, clocking 34:11.8.
The men’s 10km race delivered a thrilling contest as Edwin Kiplangat Bett showcased his steady pace and unwavering focus to claim his second series victory in 29:55.8, solidifying his status as a rising star in Kenyan athletics. Kiplangat won Kapsokwony and finished second in Iten XC. Asbel Kiprop Kiprono finished just under 10 seconds behind, while Francis Kipkorir Langat (30:10.6) claimed third in a tightly fought race.
“It was not an easy race, considering how hot it was. I was confident in my training and knew that I have the required endurance to complete the race.” Said Kiplangat.
In the under-20 women’s category, Joyline Chepkemoi set the pace early, her confident strides keeping her ahead. Cynthia Chepkurui chased relentlessly, closing the gap with every step. The race culminated in a nail-biting sprint, with Chepkemoi clinching victory by a razor-thin margin of 0.1 seconds, finishing in 19:54.1. Diana Chepkemoi followed closely in third, clocking 20:07.7 with determination etched into every step.
The men’s under-20 race saw Emmanuel Someki Lemiso dominate from the outset, breaking away with an effortless rhythm to finish in 23:56.4. Emmanuel Yegon mounted a fierce challenge, keeping spectators on edge but ultimately settling for second place. Ronald Kipkoech Ngetich secured third, his promising talent shining brightly against the morning sun.
The one-loop races brought a burst of electrifying speed. In the women’s category, Joyce Biwot claimed gold after Ronis Chelagat was disqualified for registering in the wrong age category. Biwot clocked 6:37.2, while Mercy Chepngeno Koskei took second place in 6:43.1, and Phane Nyaboke Jairus completed the podium in 6:58.8.
In the men’s one-loop race, Nairobi U20, 1,500m champion, Vincent Kibet Keter delivered a dominant performance, finishing in a remarkable 5:34.3. The battle for second place was intense, with Justice Kipkoech Byegon edging out Solomon Kimutai by just over a second. Byegon clocked 5:36.4, while Kimutai finished in 5:37.4.
“I am happy with my performance; this race was crucial for me as I prepare for the World Indoor Championships.” Said Keter.
The 6th AK Betika Cross Country was more than a competition—it was a celebration of Kenya’s rich running heritage and a showcase of its bright future. From the triumphant cheers of the crowd to the grit and determination displayed by every athlete, the event captured the essence of cross-country running. As the sun set over the hills, the echoes of pounding feet and jubilant spectators lingered, marking the conclusion of a truly memorable day.
U20 women 6km
- Joyline Chepkemoi 19:54.1
- Cynthia Chepkurui 19:54.2
- Diana Chepkemoi 20:07.7
- Caren Chepchirchir Serem 20:20.3
- Mary Nyaboke 20:22.2
- Miriam Chepkirui 20:25.3
U20 men 8km
- Emmanuel Someki Lemiso 23:56.4
- Yegon Emmanuel 24:00.8
- Ronald Kipkoech Ngetich 24:11.7
- Brian Chesang Tuiya 24:13.5
- Brian Kiptoo Ng’etich 24:17.8
- Nehemiah Kipng’eno 24:32.1
10km women
- Diana Chepkorir 33:05.4
- Janeth Chepngetich 33:32.8
- Gladys Kwamboka 34:11.8
- Jane Ghati 34:23.8
- Faith Cherono 34:49.3
- Mercylie Cherono 35:04.8
10km Men
- Edwin Kiplangat Bett 29:55.8
- Asbel Kiprop Kiprono 30;05.6
- Francis Kipkorir Langat 30:10.6
- Victor Otieno Okoth 30:23.5
- Paul Machoka 30:30.3
- Amos Kiptoo Birgen 30:33.6
2km Loop women
- Joyce Biwot 06:37.2
- Mercy Chepngeno Koskei 06:43.1
- Phane Nyaboke Jairus 06:58.8
- Maureen Chepkirui 07:01.8
- Nyakora Josphine 07:15.4
2km Loop men
- Vincent Kibet Keter 05:34.3
- Justice Kipkoech Byegon 05:36.4
- Solomon Kimutai 05:37.4
- Koech Nathan Kiprono 05:42.4
- Victor Kipkirui 05:43.8
- Eliazer Kosgei 05:45.1
