Kimeli, Anyango crowned fifth AK Cross Country Meet champions

2023 World Road Running bronze medallist Nicholas Kimeli added yet another feather to his already decorated cabinet after emerging victorious in the fifth and final Athletics Kenya (AK) meet held in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County on Saturday.

Kimeli was returning to competition after securing a historic bronze medal in the men’s 5km race at the World Athletics Road Running Championships in Riga, Latvia in October.

He conquered the tough iten course in 30:05:0, ahead of 2023 Discovery Kenya Cross Country champion Weldon Lagat who crossed the finish line in 30:17:9. Asbel Kiprop (junior) completed the podium in 30:17:9.

Speaking to Mozzart Sport after the emphatic win, Kimeli said that he was using the race as a springboard ahead of the 2024 Cross Country Championships. He was also optimistic that he would represent Team Kenya in the Paris 2024 Olympics.

"I was using this race as a training for the 2024 Cross Country championships. I hope to be among the team representing Kenya. Still discussing with my coach then I'll know the way forward," Kimeli offered.

In the junior men category, Johanna Erot outclassed his opponents to record a time of 24:25:8 ahead of Gideon Kipngetich who finished in 24:53:3. Matthew Kosgey crossed the mark in 25:02:9 to settle for third position.

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Erot who defeated Kipngetich pointed out that his adaptability to the Iten course won him the title.

"I thank God because the race was tough but I managed the top position. I asked the guys to keep going but they were slow so I ran fast because of the time. It was very muddy, but cross country is always tough, so I am used to it." he told Mozzart Sport.

In the senior women's category, 2023 Discovery Kenya Cross Country champion Emmaculate Anyango was in a class of her own, finishing the tough course in 33:22:5. Anyango headed into the race keen to improve on her second-place finish from the Kapsokwony meet. In that event, Agnes Ngetich took the honors in a time of 32:14.57 with Anyango taking the second place in 32:40.18. Anyango trains at Iten and she admitted that the tough course did not pose a challenge.

"I have not faced any challenges because I am used to this altitude. If Agnes was here, the race would even be more competitive. We have been running with her since we were in school and we know each other pretty well," the excited Anyango averred.

Betty Jepkemoi settled for second place after impressing in 34:19:0, ahead of Deborah Samum who completed the course in 35:08:2.

Diana Chepkemoi emerged as the winner in the junior women category after running in 20:38:5, faster than Maureen Chepkoech and Nancy Cherop who ran in 20:52:2 and 21:01:5 respectively.

Junior category introduced in Iten Cross Country championship

Senior Women

1. Emmaculate Anyango 33:22:5

2. Betty Jepkemoi 34:19:0

3. Deborah Samum 35:08:2

4. Caren Chebet 35:20:9

5. Edina Kibiwott 35:25:3

Junior Women 6km

1. Diana Chepkemoi 20:38:5

2. Maureen Chepkoech 20:52:2

3. Nancy Cherop 21:01:5

4. Clare Cheruto 21:06:5

5. Marion Jepngetich 21:12:2

Senior Men

1. Nicholas Kimeli 30:05:0

2. Weldon Lagat 30:13:6

3. Asbel Kiprop (Junior) : 30:17:9

4. Robert Kiprop 30:30:5

5. Raphael Dabash 30:51:0

Junior Men 8km

1. Johanna Erot 24:25:8

2. Gideon Kipngetich 24:53:3

3. Matthew Kosgey 25:02:9

4. Anthony Kibiwott 25:24:1

5. Cornelius Kiptoo 25:40:2

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