Sirikwa Classic: Coach Paul Kemei, Barnaba Kitilik charges’ carry the day in U20 category

Renowned athletics coaches Paul Kemei and Barnaba Kitilik had a reason to celebrate as their protégés dominated the junior category at the Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Gold Tour.

The event held on Saturday 22 February at the Lobo Village in Eldoret, under 20 women ran 6km while the junior men completed 8km.

Kemei, who trains athletes at the Lemotit Training Camp in Kericho, saw his charges Cynthia Chepkirui and Diana Chepkemoi claim first and third positions, respectively.

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Chepkirui clocked 20:37 to win the U20 women’s race, while Chepkemoi completed the podium in 20:50. Joyline Chepkemoi, coached by Robert Misirei, spoiled a clean sweep for Kemei’s camp by finishing second in 20:40.

Speaking after the race, a visibly exhausted Chepkirui expressed her gratitude for the win.

“I want to thank God for helping me clinch the top position. The race was very challenging because of the wind and the hot sun, but I persevered. I am now preparing to transition to the track for the 5,000m,” she offered.

Joyline Chepkemoi was equally elated after her second-place finish.

“I am very happy to have come in second. I was not expecting it, but God enabled me. The course was tough due to the hills and the heat, but I pushed through.

My goal is to represent Kenya in the Tokyo Championships in either the 1,500m or 5,000m.”

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Third-place finisher Diana Chepkemoi acknowledged the difficulty of the race, noting that the sun and hilly terrain made it challenging.

The World U20 3000m steeplechase bronze medalist was fresh from Spain and she noted that the altitude change and jetlag slowed her down.

In Spain, she competed in the 30th Cross Internacional de Soria where she finished third.

“The sun was too much today, and I was also dealing with jetlag after competing in Spain. The climate change made it tough, and at some point, I felt my legs could not move, but I pushed myself.

I will now focus on the 3,000m steeplechase and aim for victory,” the outspoken athlete offered.

In the men’s race, Chepsaita Cross Country U20 champion Kelvin Kiprop continued his impressive form by winning in 24:24. Kiprop, who trains under Barnaba Kitilik at the Sinonin Training Camp in Baringo outpaced his competitors to clinch the title.

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Frankline Kibet came in second in 24:27, while Festus Kimorwo secured third place, also in 24:27 in what was a photo finish.

Speaking after the race, the excited Kiprop was thrilled with his performance.

“I feel amazing for clinching the top position. At the start, I felt like my body was not responding well, but once I got into the rhythm, everything went smoothly.

Cross country gives me the endurance I need to compete in the 1,500m and 5,000m during the upcoming track season,” Kiprop offered.

Kibet, a form two student at St. Joseph Tenderwa, admitted he had hoped to win but the course was challenging.

“The race was fine, and I didn’t face any major challenges. However, I developed a stitch that slowed me down, but I am still grateful for finishing on the podium,” Kibet said.

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Podium finisher Kimorwo could not contain his joy for the performance.

“I did not expect to win today, but I was determined to be on the podium. I specialize in the 5,000m and 8km U20 events, and I will keep working hard,” he concluded.