Jepleting returns in quest for gold

Priscah Cherono Jepleting, the 2007 World 5,000m bronze medallist, is relishing a return to the international athletics podium.

“I have been out for two years. I went to have a baby and now, I am back,” said Jepleting.

“There is a lot that has changed, several competitions have been staged, but there is nothing different in cross country that will be of surprise to me.”

Jepleting is among the six athletes Kenya will be lining up in Punta Umbria, Spain, in a bid to win the women’s 8km title for an unprecedented third year in a row on Sunday.

Florence Kiplagat and Emily Chebet won the last two following a long break since Hellen Chepngeno’s victory in 1994.

Jepleting is however eager to make history in the senior women’s race, a move that she is certain will add credence to her quest for the first track title in the 5,000m race during this year’s World Championships in Daegu, South Korea, in September.

Away from cross country

Vivian Cheruiyot and Sylvia Kibet have also been away from cross country, mostly competing in the indoor circuit, but with the World Indoor Championship a year away they are filling in the time with a tour of cross country for Kenya.

Cheruiyot, the World 5,000m champion, started off the cross country season with a win in Seville, Spain, beating compatriot Linet Masai.

Having last competed for Kenya in cross country in Mombasa, where she was seventh, Cheruiyot now looks to make amends and clinch a gold medal in Punta Umbria.

She said: “I was keen to make the team and am happy I was selected. Now the challenge is to go to Spain and win.”