Beatrice Chebet wins U-20 National X-Country title

Beatrice Chebet crosses the finish line to win the junior women 6km race in the Lotto/Athletics Kenya National Cross Country Championships at Eldoret Sports Club on February 23, 2019. PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

What you need to know:

  • The first four athletes across the line are guaranteed of a place in the team.

Beatrice Chebet tore apart a strong field to win the Under-20 National Cross Country Championships women's 6km race at the Eldoret Sports Club on Saturday.

Chebet is now guaranteed of a place in Team Kenya for the World Cross Country Championships set for Denmark on March 30.

Beatrice Chebet speaks to the press after winning the junior women 6km race in the Lotto/Athletics Kenya National Cross Country Championships at Eldoret Sports Club on February 23, 2019. PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Athletes battle for a place in Team Kenya during the junior women 6km race in the Lotto/Athletics Kenya National Cross Country Championships at Eldoret Sports Club on February 23, 2019. PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Athletes battle for a place in Team Kenya during the junior women 6km race in the Lotto/Athletics Kenya National Cross Country Championships at Eldoret Sports Club on February 23, 2019. PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Chebet, the World Under-20 5,000m champion, broke from the leading pack in the second lap to win the race in 20:02.4 at the packed Eldoret Sports Club.

Betty Chepkemboi came in second place after clocking 20:31.2 ahead of Jackline Rotich who settled third in 20:39.9.

Chebet, who ran in the first lap behind a pack of 10 athletes, surged forward with World Under-18 silver Lydia Jeruto in tow.

Sensing she might drop too far from the leading duo, Chepkemboi accelerated and overtook Jeruto who was struggling as Chebet had widened the gap.

Chebet said that she had done her preparations well.

"The obstacles were a challenge and I had to surge forward so that I can beat a challenging field which I knew were after me," she said.

Athletes battle for a place in Team Kenya during the junior women 6km race in the Lotto/Athletics Kenya National Cross Country Championships at Eldoret Sports Club on February 23, 2019. PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA | NATION MEDIA GROUP

Chebet, who trains in Londiani, Kericho County, said that she is happy to have won the race and got the ticket to Denmark.

"Winning this race has given me a chance to represent Kenya once again. I want to thank my coach who really helped me get really for this race," said Chebet.

Chepkemboi said that she was happy to have come in second place.

"I had done good training ahead of this race and I'm happy I have made the team for the World Cross Country Championships," said the athlete.