Maureen Jepkoech delivered a commanding performance to clinch victory in the senior women’s 10km race at the Betika Athletics Kenya (AK) Cross Country Series held on Saturday at the Machakos Teachers Training College.
The 22-year-old crossed the finish line in 30:37, ahead of Sandrafelis Chebet, who clocked 31:07 to take second place.
Rebecca Mwangi followed in third, recording a time of 31:18.
Elated with her win, Jepkoech said the result was an encouraging start to her cross-country season as she sets her sights on next year’s World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida.
“I just need to stay patient and focused on the World Cross Country Championships before shifting to track preparations. I had trained well for this event, and I’m pleased with how I performed,” she said.
In the women’s Under-20 6km race, Cynthia Chepkurui from South Rift emerged victorious with a time of 18:54.
Africa Under-20 medalist Joyline Chepkemoi claimed second place in 19:00, with Jane Wangari finishing a close third in 19:02.
Caren Chepngeno impressed in the women’s 2km loop, winning in 6:32. Kenya Prisons’ Jacinta Abese took second in 6:38, while Josphine Sembeyo came in third at 6:48.
The next leg of the Cross Country Series is scheduled for September 6 in Kapsokwony.