Marathoner Reline wins Discovery Cross Country race, eyes World title

World half marathon bronze medalist Catherine Reline is optimistic to secure a slot in team Kenya for the World Cross Country Championships and Olympic Games.

Reline was speaking to People Sports after she emerged the winner of 33rd edition of Discovery Cross Country race held at Eldoret Sports Club on Sunday.

Fresh from winning Athletics Kenya North Rift region Cross Country Championships, Reline said that her focus is to get a chance to feature in team Kenya having missed many opportunities in the past to represent in the global show.

“This is part of my training and preparation towards getting a ticket to the world championships. I have a target this year because last time I missed an opportunity to compete at the Olympics in Tokyo, I’m working hard to get a good time to get a slot in the team to Paris,” said Reline.

Reline who was in the leading park won the title in 8km women 26.31.5 to beat Margaret Jelimo 26.47.1 to second while Glorious Jepkirui was placed third timing 26.51.9.

In the 10km senior men category Cornelius Kemboi emerged the winner clocking 29.24.2 defeated Kelvin Kibiwot timed 29.41.4 followed in third by Gideon Kiprotich timing 29.59.6 to close the podium. Kemboi, who trains in Iten, said that he had prepared for the race and was happy to have won.

“Being my first race this season I hope to compete at the World Indoor Championships among others,” she said.

Elsewhere in Vihiga, Emilly Moranga of Vihiga Queens and Kenya Police Bullets duo of Puren Alukwe and Rebecca Okwaro have been nominated as contenders of players the month award in the Kenya Women Premier League after their impressive performance in January.

Moranga who is the new signing for Vihiga Queens in the ongoing transfer window has only played two matches scoring four goals with two assists.

The former Nyakach Girls striker joined Vihiga Queens to fill the gap that was left by Janet Moraa who joined Yanga Princes in Tanzania. Speaking to Vihiga Queens head coach Boniface Nyamunyamu confirmed that Moranga was nominated as the player of the month and she is set to compete with the other two Kenya Police Bullets who are on the list.

In her first match against Wadadia Ladies Moranda scored four goals and gave one assist that helped her side to win 6-0 at Mumias complex in Kakamega county.

“Her performance wasn’t that bad on the pitch so fans will determine her fate because it’s something that is being voted for,” Nyamunyamu said on phone.

Moranga will be competing with Puen Alukwe and Rebecca Okwaro from Kenya Police Bullets the duo have played three matches each with three goals and one assist in the month of January.