After successfully defending her Machakos Cross Country title, Maureen Chebor says she does not intend to rest on her laurels, eyeing a Team Kenya ticket for the World Cross Country Championships set for January 10 in Florida.
The Machakos Teacher's Training College was the venue for the opening leg of the Athletics Kenya Cross Country circuit over the weekend
Chebor asserted her dominance after breaking away from a leading pack that included national 5,000m champion Rebecca Mwangi and 2015 World U18 2,000m steeplechase silver medallist Sandrafelis Chebet, to defend her Machakos title in 30:38 seconds. Chebet placed second in 31:08, whereas Mwangi rounded off the podium places in 31:19.
During the 2024 edition, Chebor claimed the crown in 36:22.9 ahead of Christine Njoki (36:32.2) and Esther Kipkech (37:13.7). After missing out on a ticket to feature in the 5,000m at the Tokyo World Championships, Chebor believes she can assert her dominance over the Cross Country circuit and earn her place for the team to Florida.
“My journey to Tokyo is over, but I am happy with the new personal best I set (14:50.68) at the trials. It shows I am on the right track," she said. She believes sharpening up her craft in training will prove instrumental in her quest for a Team Kenya slot. "All I have to do is be patient, focus on the World Cross Country Championships, and then start preparing for the track season."
Coming into the Machakos opener, Chebor noted that she was confident of producing top results. "I had prepared well to compete at Machakos, and I am happy with my performance,” Chebor added.
The men’s 10km race delivered a thrilling finish as Japan-based Gideon Ronoh unleashed a late surge to outkick 2024 Africa Cross Country champion Vincent Langat, winning in 28:12. Langat clocked 28:19 for second, with national 10,000m champion Silas Senchura hot on their heels in 28:20.
Ronoh admitted the chilly Machakos conditions made for a gruelling contest. “It was not an easy race. The weather made it difficult because it was chilly, but I managed to endure and emerge the winner," he said. Just like Chebor, his main focus is on making the World Cross Country team.
"I will focus on making the Team Kenya, and my preparations have to be good to ensure I do it. I know other athletes are eyeing the opportunity, so I have no time to relax,” he added.
In the U-20 women’s race, national 5,000m runner-up Cynthia Chepkurui spearheaded a South Rift clean sweep, taking victory in 18:55 ahead of Africa U20 3,000m bronze medallist Joyline Chepkemoi (19:00) and Jane Wangari (19:03).
The U-20 men’s 8km saw Festus Kimorwo Kaptum edge a tight finish in 21:53, with South Rift’s Ronald Ngetich (21:54) and Chepsaita U-20 champion Kelvin Kiprop (21:56) rounding out the podium. The AK Cross Country circuit now heads to Kapsokwony for the second leg on September 6.
