The athletic teams from Kahawa and Lanet emerged as the overall winners of the 3rd edition of the Kenya Army Cross Country Championships, each scoring 74 points at the event held at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang’ata.
The competition served as a selection process for the upcoming Kenya Defence Forces Cross Country Championships.
Lieutenant General David Tarus, the Commander of the Kenya Army, presided over the event.
Teams from various regions, including Lanet, Nanyuki, Modika, Marsabit, Lodwar, Isiolo, Embakasi, Thika, and Nairobi, competed in the men’s and women’s 10km races and a mixed relay.
In the men’s 10km race, Gunner Kibiwott Kandie of Embakasi Garrison successfully defended his title, finishing in 30:02:50.
He was closely followed by Gunner Charles Kakuri, also from Embakasi Garrison, who clocked 30:09:14.
Lance Corporal Peter Rono from Marsabit placed third with a time of 30:15:16.
In the women’s 10km race, Gunner Diana Chepkoech of Kahawa triumphed with a time of 33:33:10.
Senior Private Marion Kibor from Lanet took second place, finishing in 34:03:85, while Lance Corporal Valentine Kipkoech from Embakasi came third with a time of 34:22:03.
The mixed relay race saw Nanyuki’s team claim victory, with Isiolo and Embakasi teams finishing second and third, respectively.
At the conclusion of the event, Kahawa and Lanet teams tied for first place, with Embakasi securing second position.
Lieutenant General Tarus assured the teams of the Kenya Army’s continued support as they prepare for future competitions both locally and internationally.
“Today, you represent your respective formations and units with pride and determination. You will have opportunities to compete in various events, and I encourage you to maintain this spirit,” he said.
The Commander also highlighted the importance of sports in the military, noting that the strength, endurance, and agility developed through athletic training are vital for battlefield readiness.