Loibach, Bett victorious in Sotik X-Country

At the season-opening Machakos Cross Country held at the People's Park, Grace teenage sensation Grace Loibach competed in the junior (Under-20) category winning the 6km race in 19:12.6. 

In the third leg hosted in Sotik, Bomet County on Saturday 19 November, the 19-year old elected to go up against the senior, a bold move bug one that paid off as she clocked 30:50.8 to take the honours in the 10km race, beating seasoned runners on the field. 

The Elgeyo Marakwet runner was followed home by counterpart Agnes Jebet who timed 31:03.3 ti relegate Olympian Ednah Jebitok to third place in 31:14.5. 

The Machakos charm was going round in all senior races, it seems as men's winner at the opening leg Edwin Bett clocked 27:21.0 to win his home leg.

Standard Chartered Nairobi half marathon winner Daniel Simiu who has since joined National Police Service (NPS) clocked 27:22.3 for second place as reigning Africa under 20 5,000m bronze medalist Reuben Longosiwa who won the Kapsokwony title in 30:05.3 settled for third in 27:37.4. 

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The women's junior title went to West Pokot's Betty Chelangat in 18:40. 6 as Shadrack Rono clocked 21:59.7 to win the men's race. 

This was the third of a 13-leg series that culminates in the national cross country championships on 21 January at the Kenya Prisons Training College in Ruiru.

Other events include trials by the various affiliates of Athletics Kenya, such as the disciplined forces and universities slated for January. 

Kenya is also set to host the second edition of the World Cross Country Tour on 4 February, the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country Tour Gold at Lobo village in Eldoret.

A fortnight later, the country will be hoping to rule the world at the global Cross Country Championships in Bathurst, Australia

Women 10km 

Grace Loibach; E.Marakwet 30:50.8

Agnes Jebet; E. Marakwet  31:03.3

Edinah Jebitok; Nandi 31:14.5

Emily Chebet; Bomet  31:23.5

Naomi Chepngeno; Nakuru 31:31.1

Men 10km 

Edwin Bett; Bomet 27:21.0

Daniel Simui; Police 27:22.3

Reuben Longosiwa 27:37.4

Asbel Kiprop; E. Marakwet 27:39.3

Fredrick Domongole West Pokot 27:40.1

Shadrck Kipchirchir; E. Marakwet 27:42.0

U-20 men 8km

Shadrack Rono; Bomet 21:59.7

Denis Kipngetich;  E. Marakwet 22:06.2

Gideon Kipngetich; Nakuru  22:07.2

Ronald Kipkorir; Bomet  22:08.2

Gilbert Kiprotich; E. Marakwet 22:14.1

U-20 women 6km 

Betty Chelangat; West Pokot 18:40.6

Marion Chepngetich; E. Marakwet 18:42.9

Sheila Chebet; E. Marakwet 18:48.5

Diana Cherotich; E. Marakwet 18:51.9 

Diana Chepkemoi; Kericho 18:54.2