The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Ruiru, Kenya | THE STAR KENYA | Sebastian Kimaru and Grace Loibach on Saturday destroyed strong fields to win the 10km senior races (men and women) earning themselves direct tickets to next year’s World Cross-country Championships in Bathurst, Australia.
In the men’s category, Kimaru won the race in 28:22.50 edging out Commonwealth Games 10,000m silver medallist Daniel Simiu to second place in 28:28.00.
Valencia Half Marathon champion Kibiwott Kandie closed the top three places in 28:30.30. Kimaru admitted that the competition was tough but he managed to push himself till the end.
He noted that he wasn’t afraid of the stiff competition as he had run with some of the top athletes in the race.
“The race was tough but I motivated myself to keep going because I wanted to win,” he said, adding that this is the first time has made the cut for Team Kenya.
Little known to many, Kimaru revealed that injuries have slowed him down in the past but he is happy with his achievement this year.
“I started running back in 2020 but I had some challenges…mostly injuries. This year things are working out well for me,” he said.
🔴 PHOTOS🏃♀️🇺🇬@PoliceUg Athletics club win the Uganda men and women's titles at the National Cross Country Championships in Tororo today.
✳ Kiprotich Martin Magengo
✳ Stella Chesang#Athletics #TororoXC22#Uganda pic.twitter.com/WuLwhcAKh7— Louis Jadwong (@Jadwong) December 10, 2022
In the women’s category, Loibach won the race in 32:32.30 ahead of Edinah Jebitok, who was timed at 32:37.10.
Commonwealth Games 10,000m silver medallist Irene Cheptai settled for third place in 32:53.10.
Meanwhile, in the 6km Under-20 women’s race, World Under-20 3000m SC champion Faith Cherotich won in 19:16.00. Sheila Chebet and Joyline Chepkemoi followed in second and third places place in 19:32.80 and 19:35.50 respectively.
In the men’s junior race, Ismael Kirui emerged top in 23:02.90 ahead of Reynold Kipkorir who settled for second place in 23:06.70. Dennis Kipkurui completed the podium in 23:12.50.
In the 2km senior race, Brenda Chebet upset a strong field to win in 6:04:40. Miriam Jerop and Beatrice Chepkoech placed second (6:07.70) and third (6:11.10) respectively. I
The men’s 2km category saw Emmanuel Wanyonyi win in 5:23.80, edging out Daniel Munguti to second place in 5:24.60. Matthew Kipsang placed third in 5:25.20.
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