Japan-based Gideon Rono topped in in the senior men’s 10km race at the Betika Athletics Kenya (AK) Cross Country Series held on Saturday at the Machakos Teachers Training College.
Rono clocked 28:12 to cut the tape, ahead of Vincent Langat (28:18) and Silas Senchura (28:19) who came second and third, respectively, in the closely-contested race.
The win notwithstanding, Rono admitted the chilly weather on the day had presented a stumbling block to his ambitions.
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“It was not an easy race. The weather made it difficult because it was chilly, but I managed to endure and emerge the winner. I will focus on making the Team Kenya, and my preparations have to be good to ensure I do it. I know there are other athletes eyeing the opportunity, so I have no time to relax,” Rono said.
In the men’s Under 20 8km race, Festus Kimorwo staved off the challenge of Ronald Kipkoech to emerge triumphant, clocking 21:52 in first place.
Kipkoech had to be content with second after timing 21:53 whereas Kevin Kiprop came third in 21:56.
David Toroitich was victor in the men’s 2km loop after cutting the tape 5:31, ahead of National Youth Service’s (NYS) Solomon Kimutai (5:35) and Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Ezekiel Letaya (5:35) in second and third respectively.
The next cross-country series will be held at Kapsokwony on September 6.
