World 10,000m silver medalist Daniel Ebenyo Simiu and emerging star Viola Chepng'eno are the winners of the senior 10km race at the fourth leg of the AK Cross Country series held at the Bomet Airstrip on Saturday.
Ebenyo cut the tape in 32:25.29 edging out Edwin Bett of the Keringet Training Camp (32:33.73) and Peter Tuitoek of Poror Training Camp (32:54.05).
Ebenyo noted that he was using the race as part of his buildup for the 2025 season.
“I am delighted to be back after battling injuries,” said Ebenyo.
“This race is part of my preparations for next season, and I’m happy with my speed despite the tough, muddy conditions,” he noted.
The 29-year-old was fresh off his full marathon debut last month in Chicago.
He placed fifth in 2:06:04, in a race where the podium was claimed by John Korir (2:02:44), Ethiopia’s Mohamed Esa (2:04:39) and Amos Kipruto (2:04:50).
In the women’s 10km, 22-year-old Chepng’eno from the Keringet Training Camp dominated the field to finish in 37:06.68.
Sandrafelis Chebet (37:30.15) and Joyline Cherotich (37:40.25) completed the podium.
Chepng’eno, highlighted the muddy course which caused some challenges.
“The muddy course was challenging but an excellent experience,” Chepng’eno said.
Making her maiden appearance in the AK cross country series, Chepng’eno is eyeing the Chepsaita Cross Country set for December 7.
In the 6km women Under-20, Florence Chepkoech (Lelmotit Training camp) clocked 21:48.8 to outpace Kiprun teammates Alice Chemtai (21:51.5) and Cynthia Chepkirui (21:59.4).
Chepkoech was elated with her performance pointing out that her pre-race strategies worked perfectly.
“I am thrilled with this win. My coach’s strategy worked perfectly,” she said.
She however noted that the muddy course slowed down her race.
“The weather was good but there were obstacles like water and mud that slowed down the race,” Chepkoech said.
She was using the Bomet race as part of her build up for the Chepsaita race.
The men’s U20 8km race saw 17-year-old Emmanuel Lemiso from Nakuru’s Mau Training Camp claim victory with a time of 26:17.26.
Clinton Kimutai (26:30.57) and Brian Kiptoo (26:30.89) took second and third.
Lemiso, a form one student at the Mutarakwa secondary school highlighted that his performance from the just concluded Iten marathon motivated him.
“Finishing 22nd in Iten motivated me to train harder, and today’s muddy conditions favored me,” he said.
In the men’s 2km loop, former World U20 1,500m champion Reynold Cheruiyot capitalized on home advantage to clock 5:26.34.
Patrick Rotich (5:30.28) and Vincent Keter of Rongai Training Camp (5:30.48) completed the podium.
Cheruiyot noted that the race was a key part of his preparations for a 5,000m race in Saudi Arabia.
“This race and my recent Betika Cross Country outing are key preparations for my track season. I’m also set for the 5,000m in Saudi Arabia on December 6,” said Cheruiyot.
Naomi Korir clinched the women’s 2km title in 6:07.92, holding off Nelly Chepchirchir (6:11.02) and Lilian Odira (6:18.50).
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