Little-known Odero, Jebet win cross country races in Kisumu

Little-known athlete Philip Odero and Joyce Jebet withstood searing heat and tough terrain to win senior men and women’s 10 km races in Kisumu cross country championship held at at Dago Kokore Secondary School on Saturday.

Both athletes won their races comfortably, leading from start to finish. Philip Odero of Kisumu Polytechnic proved too strong for his opponents in senior men’s race, triumphing in a time of 41 minutes and 56 seconds. Alex Maina of Ramogi Institute of Advanced Technology was second in 42:52, followed by his school mate Evans Githina in 43:53.

“I expected to win because I prepared well but I’m not happy with my time. My plan was to finish the race in less than 35 minutes. My time is not very encouraging,” said Odero.

Women’s 10km race was dominated by Ramogi Institute of Advanced Technology  runners, with with 23-year-old Joyce Jebet winning in 54:44, followed by Antalia Ondiek (1:06:10) and Penina Awuor (1:09:24).

Chebet said she was happy with the win and is eyeing a good performance at the regional championships on January 27 at Kisumu Polytechnic.

 Levy Oduor won junior men’s junior 8km race in 29:15 ahead of  Kosiom Ngeen (30:23) and Regan Otieno (30:35). In the junior women’s 6km race, Pamela Atieno triumphed in 25:19 ahead of Lucy Aoko and Caroline Akinyi who crossed the finish line in 27:06 and 27:42 respectively.

 In Siaya cross country race, John Ochieng won senior men’s 10km race in 49:18, followed by John Omuyuka and Elly Odiwuor who clocked in 51:53 and 53:10 respectively.

COLLATED RESULTS

Kisumu: Men’s 10 km: 1. Philip Odero (41:56),  2. Alex Maina (42:12),3. Evans Gichina (43:53), 4. Francis Ngao (45:03), 5. David Otieno (46:59).

Junior men’s 8km: 1. John Ochieng (49:18), 2. John Omuyuka (51:53), 3. Elly Odiwuor (53:10), 4. Edwin Odiwuor (53:46), 5. Stephen Ochieng 57:57.

Senior women’s 10km: 1. J. Chebet (54:44), 2. A. Ondiek (66:10), 3. P. Awuor (69:15).