Athletes battle it out in the 6km junior race at Lobo Village/ANGWENYI GICHANA
Vanenza Chebet and Emmanuel Kiprono bagged the junior women’s and junior men’s races during the fifth edition of the 
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Sirikwa Classic Cross Country at Lobo Village in Eldoret on Saturday afternoon.

In the men’s 8km race, Kiprono opened a gap of more than 100m and easily won in 23:21, while his training mate Wesley Kipkoech placed second in 24:08.

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Edwin Elkana settled for third place after crossing the finishing line in 24:21.

Kiprono, a student at St Francis Kimuron High School said: “It was a great race, and the weather was hot but not harsh. I used this race to gauge my body ahead of the track season. This year, I want to be part of Team Kenya for the World U20 championships.”

Kipkoech said Kiprono’s pace was too high for him. “I tried to follow him, but his pace was too high. I will go train hard and focus on my speed,” he added.

Chebet won the women's 6km race in 20:28, beating Lorna Cherono to second place in 20:36 while Cynthia Chepkirui completed the podium finish in 20:45.

“It was not a bad race because I was well prepared. I didn’t expect to win. My target was a top 10 finish. I want to thank God for the win,” Chebet said.

In the men’s 2 km race, World 1,500m bronze medalist Reynold Cheruiyot crossed the finishing line in 05:52, beating Kyumbe Munguti, who clocked 05:53 for second place and Timothy Cheruiyot who completed the podium in 05:54. Reynold said: “The race was good for me and very competitive. I used this event to test my endurance.”

Timothy Cheruiyot said: “It was a very competitive race with top athletes. It was a mini-Diamond League. I’m satisfied with the third-place finish because this is my first month after two months.”

Wanyonyi, who was beaten for fourth place, said he started his pre-season preparations late. He ruled out competing in the indoor championships saying he will focus on the Diamond League. .

Naomi Korir reigned supreme in the women’s 2 km loop clocking 06:42. She beat Judy Kemunto (06:47) and Mercy Chepng’eno (06:54).

Korir said: “The race was not easy being my first of the season. I endured a lot of obstacles, but I thank Gor I came out victoriours. I had gone under the radar for a while but I’m back. I will now focus my preparations on the upcoming track season,” she said.