Teenager Jebet trumps senior runners at Eldoret cross country

Call it an early birthday gift. Agnes Jebet, just a few days shy of turning 19 years, won her maiden senior title at the 24th edition of the University of Eldoret Cross Country in Eldoret over the weekend.

The world junior cross country silver medallist, who will celebrate her 19th birthday on Thursday, trounced a galaxy of stars eager to make Kenya’s 2015 IAAF World Cross Country Championships team.

Chebet, who won her last junior race in Ndalat Cross Country last weekend, outsmarted the likes Sheila Chepng’etich.

Jebet was in top form, breasting the tape first in 24.05.0, ahead of Pauline Chemining (24.19.0) and new-found Rebecca Chesir (24.33.5) who came in second and third respectively.

“Graduating and winning my first race means so much to me especially in the week when I celebrate my birthday.

“It gives me confidence that the cross country season has good prospects for me as I prepare for the world championships next year,” said an elated Jebet.

Hillary Kirwa, fourth in the Ndalat Cross Country, won the men’s 12 km race by clocking 31.58.0.

Rodgers Maiyo come in second in 32.05.1 while Alex Kibet settled for third place in 32.18.3.

Rodgers Kwemoi from Mt Elgon made it a second win after the Ndalat title, flooring over 200 athletes to bag the men’s 8km junior race in a time of 21.30.3.

The 2013 AK/KCB Cross Country series jackpot winner Emmanuel Bett (21.30.3) was second while Josephat Kiprop emerged third in 21.30.9.

Upstart Gladys Chemaiyo timed a personal best of 19:22:6 to win the 6km junior women’s race.