Mathew Kipkoech and Dorcus Ndiema dominated the third edition of the Great Chepsaita Cross Country on Saturday, December 6, 2025, claiming the senior men’s and women’s titles.

Kipkoech won the men’s 10km race in 31:49, outkicking Cornelius Konor (31:50) and Sammy Kapserem (31:51) in a close three-way sprint. The 20-year-old, who trains in the high-altitude hub of Iten, improved on last year’s third-place finish.

“I am happy to win here today. Last year, I was third and today, I was able to finish first,” Kipkoech said.

He credited his determination and focus in training for his performance.

“I put more effort after that podium finish and motivated myself to keep going.”

Kipkoech has been in strong cross country form, earning back-to-back podium finishes in Europe. On November 16, he took third at the XXXI Campo a Traves International de Soria 8km race in Spain in 23:13, before finishing second a week later at the 93rd Cinque Mulini race in Italy, covering 8.2km in 23:20.

“I don’t know my next race yet. I will sit down with my coach so we can plan,” he said.

Runner-up Konor, competing in the senior race for the first time after racing in the U20 category last year, was pleased with his performance.

“This is my second time here. The competition was very tough but I thank God I was able to finish,” he said. “The course was good, the only challenge was the heat.”

Ndiema dominates senior race

In the senior women’s race, Ndiema powered to victory in 35:44. Brenda Jepchirchir (36:08) and Faith Cherono (36:39) completed the podium.

Ndiema, who turned 20 just a day before, said the win made up for missing out on Kenya’s team for the Florida World Cross Country Championships.

“I did not make the team, so I decided to give my best here,” she said. “I came prepared, knowing I was going for nothing short of a win.”

Her training focused on long runs and speed endurance.

“The race was tough but I pushed myself to ensure I finished first,” she added.

Competing at Chepsaita for the second time after running the U20 race last year, Ndiema now moves confidently into the senior elite ranks. She will race in the Netherlands on December 14.

“The win here motivates me to chase glory in my upcoming race,” she said.

Her long-term goal is to represent Kenya on the global stage in the 5,000m.

“On track I run the 5,000m, and I hope soon I can represent the country at major championships.”

Jepchirchir, who trains in Keringet under coach Willy Langat, said she did not expect to make the podium in her first senior race.

“This is my first time running the senior women’s race. The race was good, I did not expect to make the podium today.”

She will now prepare for the Valencia 10k in January 2026.

“I am now going back to training to prepare for Valencia in January.”