Samuel Chebole Masai shines at Great Chepsaita Cross Country Championship
Reading Time: 2min | Sat. 07.12.24. | 16:21
In the women's race, Ugandan runner Loice Chepkwemoi overcame tough opposition to win the senior women’s 10-kilometre race
Reigning World Cross Country Championships team gold medalist Samuel Chebole Masai claimed victory at the second edition of the Great Chepsaita Cross Country Championship, held on Saturday 7 December 7 at Chepsaita Secondary School in Uasin Gishu County.
The 23-year-old, who previously won the inaugural Sirikwa Cross Country, showcased exceptional form, surging ahead in the final loop and went on to maintain his lead to cross the finish line in 30:49.
Masai was closely followed by Robert Kiprop Koech, the former African Games 5,000m champion and recent winner of the Iten Cross Country Championships, who finished second in 30:58.
Reigning Festival du Cross-Country champion Mathew Kipkoech Kipruto rounded off the podium in third place with a time of 31:12.
“It was a good competition because it attracted international athletes. After the third lap, the three of us pulled away,” said Masai, reflecting on his victory.
In the women's race, Ugandan runner Loice Chepkwemoi overcame tough opposition to win the senior women’s 10-kilometre race.
Chepkwemoi cut the tape in 34 minutes and 32 seconds, finishing ahead of Ethiopia’s Shimiles Mekides Molla who clocked 35:57, while Kenya’s Celestine Biwott finished third in 36:53.
In her post-race interview, Chepkwemoi said she had prepared well for the race but knew Kenyan runners would pose a strong challenge so she had to come up with something special to emerge the winner.
“I thank my coach James Kwalia for giving me proper preparation for the race. We trained hard, and for long hours, that’s why I have won here.
It is my first time competing in this race and, although the course was tough, I enjoyed it,” said Chepkwemoi.
Her next task is to prepare for the upcoming season as she aims to represent her country in the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan.
For her part, Biwott said she prepared well for the race and was glad to finish third in her first cross-country race of the season.
The event drew top talent, reinforcing its status as a key fixture in the cross-country calendar.
Men Results
10KM MEN
Samuel Chebole Masai 30:49
Robert Kiprop Koech 30:58
Mathew Kipkoech Kipruto 31:12
Naibei Kiplimo 31:22
Charles Rotich 31:23
