Kisumu athletes dominate Nyanza Cross Championships

Kisumu County on Saturday dominated the Nyanza North Region Cross Country Championships at Kisumu National Polytechnic.

The championships brought together athletes from three counties - Kisumu, Homa Bay and Siaya.

In the 8km junior men which was the first race of the day, Brian Limo of Kimuron Secondary School in Eldoret braved the scorching sun in the lake side town to clock 22 minutes and 19seconds. The 17-year-old said he decided to run in Kisumu after missing a chance during Eldoret's registration.

His team mates Amos Bii and Victor Otieno sealed the top three places after clocking 23:19 and 24:17 respectively.

"The heat was too much but I gave my best. This win has motivated me so much and my target now is to win the national championship. I am already preparing for it," Limo told Nation Sport.

In the 6km junior women's race, Homa Bay's Fancy Cherono had no equal as she led from the start to finish, cutting the tape in 19:26. She was followed by Kisumu's Shella Chebet and Joan Chepkosgei who timed 20:47 and 20:49 respectively.

"I am very happy. My focus now is to win the national championship and book a ticket to represent Kenya in the World Cross Country championships," said Cherono.

The men's 10km race was won by Titus Kipruto who finished in 28:35 ahead Benard Bul, who timed 28:55, while Willy Kipruno came in third place in 30:10. There was no women's category after only one lady turned up.

"All the regions have been represented in every race except the 10km women. This is a good turn-out and from here we are going to select the team that will represent Nyanza North region at the national competition best on their performance," said AK Nyanza North chairman Joseph Ochieng.

Summarised results

8km junior men

1.Brian Limo 22:19 (Kisumu)

2.Amos Bii 23:19 (Kisumu)

3.Victor Otieno 24:17 (Kisumu)

4.John Bosco 24:32 (Siaya)

5.Nicholas Miatoo 24:33 (Homa Bay)

6km junior women

1.Fancy Cherono 19:26 (Homa Bay)

2.Sheila Chebii 20:47 (Kisumu)

3.Joan Chepkosgei 20:49 (Kisumu)

4.Pamela Atieno 21:54 (Kisumu)

5.Nancy Chepsi 22:00 (Kisumu)

10km men

1.Titus Kipruto 28:35 (Individual)

2.Benard Bii 28:55 (Kisumu)

3.Willy Kiprop 30:10 (Homa Bay)

4.Joseph Okello 31:05 (Siaya)

5.Ezekiel Oduor 31:47 (Siaya)