Chepngetich, Lokir reign supreme at National Cross Country Championships

The 2019 world marathon champion Ruth Chepngetich was in a class of her own as she dominated the women's 10km race at the national cross country championships held at the Prisons College in Ruiru.

The event was the culmination of the local cross country and was also one of the legs of World Cross Country Tour bronze level.

Chepngetich who triumphed at the Prisons Championships last month led from gun to tape and crossed the finish line in 32:56.

Sheila Chepkirui of Kenya Defence Forces settled for second in 32:58 with Zena Jemutai of North Rift coming home third in 33:06

Chepngetich, the reigning Chicago Marathon champion said she was using the race as a build up towards her title defence at Nagoya Marathon slated for March 12.

"I am grateful for my victory today. I was well prepared and my target was to push from the front of which I realised my competitors were not coping with my pace. I like cross country races because it will go along way in helping me prepare for the upcoming race in Nagoya," said Chepngetich.

On her part, Chepkirui who made her marathon debut last year in Valencia said she is preparing for her maiden appearance in Boston Marathon set for April.

"Everybody comes to a race to win and today Ruth has won. This race was important for me as I prepare for Boston Marathon as I am now working on my speed," said Chepkirui.

In the corresponding men's race, Charles Lokir of North Rift took top honours after a sprint finish pitting him and Isaac Kibet.

Lokir clocked 29:16 ahead of Kibet who finished second in 29:16 as Dennis Kipngetich rounded off the podium in 29:23

"I am happy to win my first title at the national cross country championships. I finished ninth during the trials for world cross country championships last month and with my management we changed some aspects of our training which has bore fruits today," said Lokir.

Japan-based Samuel Kibathi was the hero in the men's 8km Under-20 race after he crossed the finish line in 23:10

Simeon Maiywa placed second in 23:23 as Shadrack Rono settled for the third spot.

"The course was not easy especially at the mud section but I am happy I have triumphed. My target is to maintain this momentum as I prepare to represent Kenya during the Africa Junior Championships in April," said Kibathi.

University of Nairobi student Mercy Sang took top honours in the women's 6km race after clocking 19:44

Miriam Chepkirui who clocked 19:55 finished second while Miriam Chemutai ranked third in 20:03

After the national championships, focus now shifts to the Sirikwa Cross Country meet which is part of the World Cross Country Tour Gold series slated for February 4.