Loice Chekwemoi, Samwel Chebolei toast to Chepsaita Cross Country titles

Ugandan Loice Chekwemoi and Samwel Chebolei were on Saturday crowned the winners of the 2024 edition of the Great Chepsaita Cross Country Run that went down in Uasin Gishu County.

In the elite women’s race, Chekwemoi shrugged off stiff competition to time 34:32 minutes to win the contest, ahead of Molla Mekides of Ethiopia and Biwot Celestine of Kenya.

She said she couldn't believe that she could win the race.

"It’s never easy you have to fight for it, I really feel so good after this win and anticipate to qualify for for the world championship next year," said Chekwemoi.

In the corresponding men’s battle, Samwel Chebolei was the star of the show stopping the timer in 30:49 minutes ahead of Kiprop Koech 30:58 while Naibei Kiplimo wrapped up the podium places in 31:22 minutes.

"The competition has been very great; I have had to give my best since it was a high octane competition. After the third lap I decided to make moves together with my two competitors," said Chebolei, after crossing the line.

The race, now upgraded to a Golden Label by the World Athletics lived up to its billing, with huge attendances. Over 10,000 participants registered for the event with over 70 elite athletes battling for honours.

The tough punitive course called for endurance and athletes from Kenya, Ugandan and other nations went toe to toe.

The race has been spearheaded by its patron Farouk Kibet and drew the crème de la crème from the political class, including Deputy President Prof. Kindiki Kithure, Labour Cabinet Secretary Dr. Alfred Mutua, his Sports counterpart Kipchumba Murkomen among others.