Listen to This Article Enhance your reading experience by listening to this article.

World U20 3,000m steeplechase silver medallist Leonard Bett has turned his focus to Africa Cross Country and Olympic Games.

Bett emerged winner during the Iten Premium cross country, the Fifth and last leg of Athletics Kenya (AK) Cross country Series at Iten Sports ground over the weekend.

Running his second race after graduating into senior ranks, Bett, the world U18 2,000m champion faced stiff competition from Family Bank Half Marathon winner Daniel Simiyu, who ran the  2019 Corrida De Houilles 10km Road race last Sunday with a course record of 27:12 and Abel Kipsang.

 “This was a good race as I prepare for Africa Cross country as well as Olympic Games. It was a challenging race but winning in my second attempt in senior ranks is good for me,” said the Kericho-based runner.

Bett cut the tape at 26.06.1 ahead of Simiyu, Kipsang and Erick Tirop who finished second, third and 4th in 28:13.2, 28:17.8 and 28:25.2 respectively.

In 10km women, Betty Chepkemoi, who finished sixth at the 2019 world cross country championships was the favourite after beating Frankfurt Marathon champion Valary Aiyabei, Monica Chirchir and Dorcas Kimeli for the title.

Chepkemoi, who plans to represent the country in both Africa Cross Country and Olympics Games breasted the tape 32:14.9.     

 “ With two championships ahead, I want to work hard to get a chance and it has been my dream to run for Kenya,” said  former world junior 3,000m steeplechase winner.