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The 2022 Sirikwa Classic cross-country champion Samwel Chebolei Maasai has set his sights on earning a spot in Team Kenya for the 2025 World Championships in Tokyo, Japan. 

Maasai, who clinched the Chepsaita Cross Country men’s title with a time of 30:49, edged out World Under-20 cross country bronze medallist Matthew Kipkoech Kipruto, who clocked 30:58, and 2019 African Games 5000m champion Robert Kiprop, who settled for third with 31:12.

Similarly, he finished fifth at this year’s World Crossn and equally contributed to Kenya’s team gold medal in the event. 

The victory marked part of Maasai’s preparations for the next athletics season. 

“I’m training hard to earn a place in Team Kenya for Tokyo next year. I’m yet to decide which race I will compete in,” he remarked.  

He added: “I want to train thoroughly and perform at the trials to earn a slot in Team Kenya for the World Champion-ships,” added Maasai, who was eighth at the 2019 World U20 Cross, helping Kenya to a team bronze medal. 

In the women’s category, Kenyans faltered as Uganda’s Loice Chekwemoi claimed the title, with Ethiopian Medides Shimeles Molla finishing second and Kenyan Celestine Biwott taking third. 

Chekwemoi clocked 34:32, followed by Molla at 35:57, and Biwott at 36:43. 

She expressed her excitement about winning in Kenya, a nation renowned for its elite athletes. 

“I couldn’t believe I could win in the home of champions, but as I ran, I told myself I am also a champion. I am working hard to become a World Champion next year. It was tough, but I knew I had to push myself to win. I thank the specta-tors for their support.”