Hellen Obiri from Laikipia Air Base successfully defended her Kenya Defense Forces Cross Country title at the 41st edition held at the Moi Air Base in Nairobi on Friday. 

In the men’s race World Half marathon winner Kibiwot Kandie faded and finished seventh in 29:38.49.

The race was won by Erick Kiptanui 29:20.59, he was followed by Collins Koros 29:21 45, with Vedic Cheruiyot 29:23.78 settling for third.

In the women’s race, Obiri’s victory was her fifth at the annual championship, and first consecutive. Obiri claimed previous wins in 2014, 2017 and 2019 and 2021. 

The world 5,000m champion, recaptured the title in January last year when she beat defending champion Joyce Chepkemoi to second place in 33:25.1.

Obiri, Chepkemoi, Sheila Chepkurui, Nesphine Chepleting and Irene Kamais were joined by former champion Joycilline Jepkopsgei, who was fresh from winning the London Marathon in October.

Despite the opposition, status quo remained as Obiri won in 32:49.50 followed by Chepkemoi (33:12.04) and 2020 winner Chepkirui (33:24.01) respectively. 

Two-time world champion Obiri led in all the five laps despite having 2021 runners-up Chepkemoi and 2020 champion Chepkirui for company in the first three laps. Obiri broke from the lead group after the third lap.

Top 15 men and top 15 women runners from the senior 10km  qualified to represent KDF at national cross country championship set for January 22 at Kapseret in Uasin Gishu.

Thirteen teams from the Kenya Defense Forces took part namely Lanet, Nanyuki, Garissa, Isiolo, Embakasi, Thika, Moi Air Base, Marsabit, Gilgil, Laikipia Air Base, Mtongwe and Nairobi and defending champions Kahawa Garrison.

The event was graced by Cabinet Secretary for Defence Eugene Wamalwa.