Chepng'etich seeks to shine for Police at national championships

Defending champion Faith Chepng’etich will compete for Kenya Police Service during Saturday’s National Cross Country Championships at Uhuru Gardens, Nairobi.

Kenya Police coach Isaac Kirwa confirmed that Chepng’etich, who retained the title last year with Central Rift team, has shifted her allegiance to Police team that has pitched camp on Kiganjo.

Chepnge’tich, 22, did not take part in Police Cross three weeks ago in Nairobi but the reigning Africa Cross champion made a great start to her season, winning the 34rd Cross Internacional de Italica in Seville, Spain on January 17.

“We are proud to have Chepng’etich in our stable. It shows our commitment to engaging the best,” said Kirwa.”

Missing in Police team is the 2011 World Cross country champion Vivian Cheruiyot, who recaptured the Police title during their championships.

PREPARE FOR ROAD RACES

Cheruiyot, the reigning World 10,000m champion, has asked to be exempted from the event to prepare for a series of road races.

Other top performers from the Police Cross senior women’s race, including African Games 5,000m champion Margaret Chelimo, World 3,000m steeplechase gold medallist Hyvin Kiyeng and Janet Kisa, will also compete.

Also in the team are 2012 World Half Marathon bronze medallist Pascalia Jekorir, who finished eighth in Police Cross and Viola Chepchumba, who failed to finish the race.

The 2013 World Junior silver medallist Leonard Barsaton has also been given a wild card in Police senior men’s 10km team. Augustine Choge and Asbel Kiprop have been left out.

Athletes from Ethiopia and Uganda, Burundi and Rwanda, Eritrea and Sudan will grace the event.