Habari Za Wiki- 16 November, 2021

The Running News

Kiprop and Jebitok dominate Iten cross country races

World under 18 1,500m silver medalist Ednah Jebitok had a fantastic weekend after winning the Iten cross country race. Jebitok run a brilliant race, surging forward in the last two kilometers where she exchanged leads with Purity Komen before she went for the win crossing the line in 32:20.3.

Speaking in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County after winning the second leg of Athletics Kenya cross country championships on Saturday, the Form Three student at Cheptonon Secondary School in Nandi County said she had a good experience and that her focus now shifts to the inaugural Agnes Tirop World Cross Country Gold Tour which is set to happen next year in Eldoret.

Purity Komen clocked 32:24:9 to finish second while Alice Aprot finished third in 33:20:2.

In the men's category, Robert Kiprop edged out Titus Mbishei a former world cross country silver medal winner to cross the line in 29:11:07 winning the race. Kiprop who trains in Iten said that he was familiar with the surrounding and was confident that despite it being a tight race he would emerge victorious. 

Titus Mbishei took the second place in 29:20:06 while Kelvin Biwott finished third in 29:28:01.

Edinah Chebitok and Purity Komen (top) Kiprop at the finish line followed by Titus mbishei at the AK Cross Country Championships in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet
Photo courtesy of Peter Ochieng, Standard Media Group

World Athletics cross country tour set for February 12, 2022

For the the first time Kenya will be hosting the World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold event, the tour that is set for February 12, 2022 was named after the late Agnes Tirop — the 2015 World Cross Country Champion.

Athletics Kenya president Jack Tuwei has assured the world that the route will be out in two weeks’ time to give athletes a picture of what to expect as well as aid them in their preparations.

Elevation of some of the cross country events to tour status while introducing other new ones is part of the world athletics program to give athletes more opportunities as well as aid them in preparing for the beginning of their track season.

We definitely have something to look forward to next year!

Non-Kenyan News

Eritreans shine at the Cross country tour in Spain

Kifle claimed the men's win over 9,000 meters in a time of 25:33 sec, holding off Burundi's Rodrigue Kwizera by a mere one second.

Joel Ayeko of Uganda took bronze after a close battle with compatriot Thomas Ayeko after both finished at the same time.

In the women's race, Rahel Daniel Ghebreneyohannes shocked everyone to cross the line in 25:03 denying Kenyan Beatrice Chebet victory by a second. Margaret Chelimo finished third in the same time 25:04 seconds.