Jeruto, Jepchirchir seal University of Eldoret X-country honours

Norah Jeruto wins the University of Eldoret Annual Cross Country Championships in Uasin Gishu County, senior women’s 10km race on October 20, 2018. PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA |

What you need to know:

  • Jeruto, who trains in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet ran a tactical race to time 33 minutes and 43.9 seconds to win senior women’s 10km race ahead of her sister Daisy Jepkemei who timed 34:03.3.

Former World Youth 2,000 metres steeplechase champion, Norah Jeruto, and Josphat Kipchirchir won senior races in the 28th edition of University of Eldoret Cross Country Championships on Saturday.

Jeruto, who trains in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet ran a tactical race to time 33 minutes and 43.9 seconds to win senior women’s 10km race ahead of her sister Daisy Jepkemei who timed 34:03.3.

Jeruto, a 3,000m steeplechase runner who came third in 2018 Ndalat Gaa Cross Country in Nandi County, said: “We trained well with my sister for the race and I didn’t want her to beat me. I’m happy she managed to come second.”

The two sisters are using the cross country series to prepare for the World Cross Country Championships to be held next year in Denmark. Both are targeting places in Team Kenya.

Newcomer Kipchirchir won senior men’s 10km race in 30:10:94 and immediately declared interest in gunning for a place in Team Kenya for the 2019 World Cross Country Championships.

“We have started the cross country series and I will be looking forward to participating in the Athletics Cross Country series so that I can get a place in the team that will be selected,” said Kipchirchir. Kipchirchir won ahead of Frankiline Ngelel (30:24.8) and Joshua Kiplagat (30:27.3).

Bravin Kogei, a Form Two student in Kombatich High School, won junior men’s 8km race in 24:21.2.

SELECTED RESULTS

10KM MEN

1. Josphat Kipchirchir 30:10:94

2. Frankiline Ngelel 30:24.8

3. Joshua Kiplagat 30:27.3

4. Elvis Cheboi 30:31.4

5. Letaiya Simon 30:35.9

10KM WOMEN

1. Norah Jeruto 33:43.9

2. Daisy Jepkemei 34:03.3

3. Daisy Kimeli 34:34.0

4. Sheila Chelangat 34:48.2

5. Valary Jemeli 35:26.8

8KM MEN

1. Bravin Kogei 24:21.2

2. Gideon Kipngetich 24:25.1

3. Solomon Boit 24:25.9

4. Charles Kakuri 24:34.4

5. Kevin Kibiwott 24:43.2

6KM WOMEN

1. Dorcas Jepchirchir 20:50.8

2. Salome Kipruto 21:43.7

3. Gladys Jepkirui 21:47.9

4. Vivian Cheruiyot 21:50.6

5. Stella Jepkosgei 21:58.6