Chebet, Mutai rule AK Cross Country series opener in Machakos
By Dennis Mabuka, October 16, 2023
Vincent Mutai produced a stunning last kick to win the men’s 10km race during Athletics Kenya’s first cross-country meeting at Machakos People’s Park on Saturday.
Mutai who was running for Kenya Defence Force (KDF) started the race will a blistering pace but he found himself in a close tussle with Arthunus Kioko, who was representing Machakos, and Brian Kiptoo of Kenya Police in the closing stages.
He, however, increased his pace to close the finishing line with a time of 29.39.1 while Kioko came second with a time of 29.42.2 and Kiptoo finished third in 30.07.6. Kiplimo Naibei of Kenya Police came fourth in 30.20.4 while Shadrack Kiptoo of Synonis Club was fifth in a time of 30.26.4.
In the women’s 10km race, Sandra Chebet of Kenya Police ruled the show after leading from start to finish to clock 34.02.6 seconds, Mercy Chepkorir, who was representing Lemotit, came second in 35.04.0 and her teammate Teresa Cherotich finished third in 35.09.1. Monica Wanjiru of Vota outsprinted Winfred Mbithe at the closing tape to finish four in 35.25.0 while Mbithe clocked 35.48.6 to finish fifth.
In the women’s U20 6km race, Diana Chepkemoi of Lemotit topped the field with a time of 19.58.1 and she was closely followed by Sylvia Chelagat of Kaptagat, who clocked 20.11.3. Florence Chekoech of Lemotit came third in 20.30.1, Harzel Kiptoo also of Lemotit finished fourth in 20.39.0 while Sharon Chekemoi completed Lemotit’s dominance in the race by coming home fifth in 20.52.1.
The men’s U20 8km race produced another thrilling contest as Clinton Kimutai of Keriget held on to defeat Vincent Kibet from Nakuru. Kimutai clocked 23.20.6 to hit the finish line, while Kibet came second with 23.48.7 and Shwdrack Kemboi of Nakuru came third with 23.52.7. Emmanuel Yegon of Bomet finished fourth in 23.57.0 while Makueni’s Daniel Kioko was fifth in 24.04.8.
The next leg of the cross-country series will be held on October 21 in Kapsokwony. The cross-country season will culminate in the World Cross Country Championships in Belgrade, Serbia in February next year.