Jepngetich, Cherotich recover from World Cross heartache to qualify for regional championships

Despite missing the World Cross Country Championships in Australia due to visa hitches, Marion Jepngetich and Diana Cherotich placed the disappointment behind them as they sealed their tickets to the East Africa Athletics Championships.

Jepngetich edged a tight two-way battle against Cherotich in the women's 5000m, winning in 15 minutes, 51.29 seconds as her rival finished second in 15:51.33

The pair competed during the second leg of Athletics Kenya track and field weekend meet which also doubled as trials for the Under-18/Under-20 regional games that will be held in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

"After missing visa to compete in Australia I was a bit disappointed but I didn't loose hope. I am fresh from training in Kigari and thus I just need to polish some few areas before the championship in Tanzania," said Jepngetich.

Her sentiments were echoed by Cherotich who also missed a chance to represent Kenya in the 6km under-20 race in Bathurst.

"I am happy for the second position. We had talked with Marion and since we missed the chance to compete in Australia it was our target to qualify for the East Africa Championships," said Cherotich.

Meanwhile, Japan-based Rebecca Mwangi took the top honours in the women's 10,000m as Athletics Kenya track and field kicked off this morning at the Nyayo Stadium.

Mwangi clocked 32 minutes 37.4 seconds ahead of Agnes Mumbua who finished second in 32:39.0 while Edna Kibiwott settled for third in 32:47.6.

Mwangi said her target is to make the cut in Kenya's team for the World Championships.

"It was my first time competing in 10,000m since my speciality is 5000m and I am satisfied with the victory. It has been my dream to represent Kenya and my prayer is to compete at the World Championship in Budapest," said Mwangi.

In the women's 100m hurdles, Rukia Nusra reigned supreme after clocking 14.04 ahead of Veronica Chebet who finished second in 15.28 while Gladys Muthoni sealed the podium in 15:55.