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World Under-20 3,000m steeplechase champion Jackline Chepkoech has set her sights on  competing  in this year’s edition of the championships in Cali, Colombia in August.

Chepkoech competed in the 10km senior category at Athletics Kenya Central Rift  cross country championships in Eldoret at weekend, emerging the winner despite being in junior cadre clocking 34.39.20. 

Chepkoech said this was her first win in the season as she hopes to defend her title in Colombia during World Athletics Under-20 Championships as well to get an opportunity to compete in World Championships in Eugene, USA, in July.

“My win is a surprise since I have been out of training for sometime due to sickness, but am glad I have won in the senior cadre in cross country,” Said Chepkoech.

She added that it is great to get a slot to represent the region at the nationals, which she knows will not be a walk in the park.

 She will be competing with world  beaters, among them world cross country champion Hellen Obiri.

Chepkoech was using the race to gauge her ability which paid well, and now she will be focusing on training to improve on her performance ahead of nationals in the same venue at the end of this month.

In men’s category Vincent Kiprotich clinched the title clocking 30.16.50 followed by Shadrack Kipchirchir clocking 30.20.60 as Josphat Kipchirchir 30.29.05 to close the top three finishers.

In the 8km junior men Ismael Kirui ruled the roost timing 24.33.70 ahead of Gilbert Kiprotich clocking 24.51.70, while Josphat came in third timed 25.09.80.

 In the women’s 6km junior race, Grace Loibach won in 21:00.73 ahead of Deborah Jemutai who clocked 21:14.09 while Lorna Jepchumba was third in 21:52.20.