Faith Cherotich © Mozzart Sport
Faith Cherotich © Mozzart Sport

Cherotich, Kirui to lead junior team to World Cross

Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 10.12.22. | 15:00

Six athletes have been selected in each category, but for the relay team, for the February 18 event.

At the Athletics Kenya (AK) national trials held on Saturday 10 December to select a team to the World Athletics Cross Country Championships set for Bathurst, Australia, Ismail Kirui and Faith Cherotich won their junior races in spectacular fashion. 

Kirui who has been winning all the local races he has entered in the national circuit in the age-group was unbeatable as he clocked 23:02.9 to beat World Under-20 800m champion Reynolds Kipkorir who came home in 23:06.7. 

Dennis Kipkurui completed the podium places in 23:12.5 with Raphael Dabash, Gideon Kipngetich and Charles Rotich making the rest of Team Kenya in fourth to sixth place. 

"Everyone in this trials was well prepared so it was not easy but I was ready. I tried to make Team Kenya to Cali for the World Under-20 but I was unsuccessful. 

I had picked an injury at the Africa championships, but that has since healed and I am ready for my second stint of representing the country," offered Kirui. 

Meanwhile, Cherotich, reading from the same script she used in winning the World Under-20 steeplechase title in Cali, Colombia, she led from gun to tape to win the race and book a slot in the team. 

She clocked 19:16.0 for an uncontested victory as Sheila Chebet came home in 19:32.8 for second place while Joyceline Chepkemoi completed the podium places in 19:35.5.

With six athletes making the team to Australia automatically, Nancy Cherop, Marion Chepngetich and Diana Cherotich filled the places and make the junior Under-20 6km team.

"I am happy for this win as I had prepared well knowing that the field would not be easy. There is definitely pressure to deliver after my exploits in Cali but I know I can handle the competition expected in Australia," Cherotich said. 


tags

Athletics KenyaWorld AthleticsNational Cross Country ChampionshipWorld Cross Country Championships

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