Summary
– Kenya dominates Girls U12 and Boys U12 categories
– Sheila Chepkosgei leads Girls U12 sweep
– Intense rivalry between Kenya and Uganda
– Ezron Kimurgor wins Boys U12 race
Kenya had a clean sweep in the Girl’s U12 category that opened the 24th edition of the ISF World School Cross Country Championship at the Ngong Race Course in Nairobi on Sunday.
Sheila Chepkosgei clocked 3:53.2 to lead the sweet podium sweep that saw Belinda Chepkorir (3:55.1) and Dorcas Chelangat Kemei (3:57.1) in that order.
“I finished fourth at the national trials for this competition and my aim coming here today was to take first place, and I’m glad it happened,” Chekosgei stated.
“I am very happy as I should be because I have dreamt of this moment for quite a while,” the Tiloa Primary School pupil added.
Meanwhile, Intense rivalry was experienced between Kenya and Uganda in the hotly contested 1.2km Boys U-12 category.
Ezron Kimurgor managed to break loose from the pack at the 800m mark, before clocking 3:43.5 to win the race.
Benjamin Shikuku was second in 3:46.7 as Ugandan Caleb Kibet completed the podium in 3:48.8.
“I had faith in my abilities because our coaches have trained us well in the leadup to this competition. We were told that Uganda were going to be our biggest threat and we had to be at our best. I am so happy to have won here today and this win encourages me to keep going in my athletics career,” Kimurgor stated after the victory.
Concerning his second place finish, Benjamin Shikuku from Cheptikit Primary said: “The race was good, we had a plan to run as a team, we wanted a complete podium sweep but we couldn’t do it because of stiff competition from the Ugandans.
Benjamin Aims to Join National Team
I want to be in the Kenya team in the future so I can help my family because athletics transforms lives. I wanted to improve on my position to finish at the national trials but maintained the position. I will build on that for future races.”
Uganda ace Kibet stated this after his third place finish: “ The race was good and I knew Kenyans were good and when we started, I wanted to be among those at the front.”
“ I’m determined to make it in athletics like those who have done well in our country, like Joshua Cheptegei.
I know they must be so happy to have seen me make it to the podium today and it has really inspired me to continue working hard,” added Kibet who is coached by Fredrick Cherich at Kapchorwa, Uganda.
Kenya President Graces the Event
Among the dignitaries who graced the event was President William Ruto, who congratulated the competitors noting that the championship played an important role in shaping the talent of young athletes.
“Congratulations to all our children and the participants who came today. This championship not only promotes and nurtures talent but also promotes our relationship and appreciation of diversity.
“Kenya is the place to be. We are honoured to be hosting this event. We look forward for more. The whole world has converged here to celebrate our talents,” averred Ruto.
The event brought over 400 students from over 20 countries.
COLLATED RESULTS
UNDER 12 CATEGORY
Girls
1. Sheila Jepkosgei Tarus 3:59 sec
2. Belinda Chepkorir 4:01 sec
3. Dorcas Chelangat 4:04 sec
Boys
1. Ezron Kimurgor 3:49 sec
2. Benjamin Shikuku3:52 sec
3.Kibet Caleb 3:54sec(Uganda)
UNDER 15 CATEGORY
Girls
1. Jane Wangare 7:42
2. Faith Jeptum 7:43
3. Claire Cheruto 7:44
Boys
1. Peter Lumuryon 10:19
2. Benson Tipap10:25
3. Dan Kibet 10:35
UNDER 18 CATEGORY
Girls
1. Diana Chepkemoi 13:48
2. Mary Nyaboke 13:52
3. Dorcus Chepkwemoi 13:54
Boys
1. Phanuel Kipkosgei 14:40
2. Kevin kiprop 14:44
3. Nelson Simiren14:5
