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Geoffrey Kamworor will be going for a record ninth victory during the Kenya Police Service Cross Country Championships this morning at the Ngong Racecourse.

In the women’s 10km race, athletics enthusiasts will witness a new winner after defending champion Sheila Chelangat pulled out of competition.

Kamworor a former two time World Cross Country winner says he is eager to stamp his authority once again during the Championships.

Kamworor sealed a record eighth victory at the Kenya Police Service Cross Country Championships last year in 29: 22.3 seconds, beating Josphat Kiprotich from CIPU and General Service Unit’s (GSU) Casinos Masinde to second and third places in 29:52.6 and 30:13.0

“Competing during Police Championships is something that I enjoy alot. I have had memorable wins over the years.

So, I  will be keen to get another title on Friday,” said Kamworor who is also eyeing the national championship on January 22 as well as the World Cross Country Tour on February 12.

Failed to compete

It will be Kamworor’s first race after finishing fourth at the Valencia Marathon in 2:05:23 on December 5 last year.Kamworor failed to compete at the Tokyo Olympic Games despite his trailblazing men’s 10,000m victory in 27:01.06 during the Kenyan trials on June 18 at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Injuries from a 2020 road accident recurred, forcing him to withdraw from the Tokyo Olympics.

Kamworor will take on World 10,000m bronze medallist Rhonex Kipruto, who is the current 10km world record holder, Commonwealth Games 3,000m steeplechase silver medallist Abraham Kibiwott and seasoned Titus Mbishei.

Others in contention are Michael Kibet, Edwin Bett and former world 1,500m champion Elijah Manang’oi, who is making a comeback from a two-year doping ban.

In the women’s race, World 5,000m silver medallist Margaret Chelimo, who won the Police title in 2019 and Edith Chelimo, are back and will be joined by 2015 champion Stacy Ndiwa, 2014 Africa cross country champion Janet Kisa and World 3,000m steeplechase champion Beatrice Chepkoech.

2013 world 5,000m silver medallist Mercy Cherono are some of the other athletes in contention.

In 2021, Chelangat from Central led from gun to tape to retain her senior women’s 10km title after clocking 33:34.5 to beat Hyvin Kiyeng to second place in 33:39.5.

Edith Chelimo, came third in 33:40.5 followed by Margaret Chelimo in 33:48.7.

Commonwealth 800m champion Wycliffe Kinyamal, 2013 World 800m champion Eunice Sum, 400m athlete Maureen Thomas and Mary Moraa will feature in the mixed relay.