This archive report was first published on 16 December 2019.
Kemboi Eyes Africa Cross Slot After Sotik Victory ¶
On Saturday, Allan Kemboi won the men's senior race at the second leg of the Athletics Kenya Cross-Country meet held in Sotik, Bomet County, clocking 31:23.
He had placed fourth at the Machakos opener and hopes to nail a place in Team Kenya for the Africa Cross.
Geoffrey Koech came second in 31:42, while Joseph Karanja took third place in 31:45.
For Kemboi, who trains in Nyahururu, the win was a significant step towards his goal of representing Kenya at the Africa Cross.
"It was tough but I believed in myself and I am happy for this win. My dream is to represent Kenya at the Africa Cross," he said.
Meanwhile, Dorcas Kimeli dominated the women's race, leading from gun to tape and clocking 36:09 for victory.
World Junior Cross-Country champion Beatrice Chebet came second in 36:12, while Jackline Rotich took third place in 36:19.
Kimeli, who won this year's Valencia 15km race, said she is now shifting her focus to the KDF championship slated for early next year.
"I was not prepared for this course, it was very challenging especially with a lot of mud but I thank God and my coaches because I ultimately won," she said.
Kimeli finished fourth in this year's KDF X-Country championships and will now wait for the KDF championships before competing at the national championships.
Results from the meet include:
- 10km senior men: 1. Allan Kemboi (31:23), 2. Geoffrey Koech (31:42), 3. Joseph Karanja (31:45)
- 10km senior women: 1. Dorcas Kimeli (36:09), 2. Beatrice Chebet (36:12), 3. Jackline Rotich (36:19)
- 8km junior men: 1. Edwin Seko (25:07), 2. Shadrack Kipchirchir (25:11), 3. Josephat Too (25:18)
- 6km junior women: 1. Jane Ghati (20:24), 2. Ednah Chebitok (20:29), 3. Maureen Cherono (20:46)
The next stop for athletes will be Ol Kalou on December 21, followed by Kapsokwony a week later, and finally Iten on January 4.
