Agnes Ngetich wins National Cross Country championships

World 10km record holder, Agnes Jebet Ngetich stormed to victory in the 10km senior women race at the Kenya National Cross Country championships held on Saturday (02) at the Kenya prisons Staffs Training College in Ruiru, Nairobi.

The race which took off with a fast pace than expected, separated the lead group after the first two laps as Jebet, Sirikwa Cross Country champion, Emmaculate Anyango, World Cross country champion Beatrice Chebet and the 2019 Africa Games 5000m bronze medallist, Lilian Kasait Rengeruk, made the first move of pulling away from the leading group as they fought for leadership roles amongst themselves.

The 23 year-old was overtaken by Anyango in the third lap for a short while but the latter reclaimed her leading role as they dropped Chebet who found the going too tough.

Ngetich held onto the lead in the hotly contested race as she continued to accelerate, pulling away further from Anyango and Rengeruk to cut the tape first in 31:50.9.

“In the leading team we had a very strong team. The race was very competitive the course was okay but it was too hot”, said Ngetich.

Ngetich who is also the world cross country bronze medallist, was followed by Anyango in second place in 31:53.2 with Rengeruk wrapping up the podium three finishes in 31:56.3.

Anyango who is the second fastest women over the 10km distance and has trained with Ngetich since primary school, said that this team will bring home medals and retain the overall title.

“We are ready and our target is to retain the title. The team that has won here has the ability to do so,” said Anyango.

The 2022 World 5000m silver medallist, chebet and the 2019 world 5000m silver medallist   Margaret Chelimo Kipkemboi finished in fourth and fifth in respective time of 31:59.7 and 32:21.2.

LEADING RESULTS

10KM SENIOR WOMEN

1. Agnes Jebet Ngetich    (Central Riftt Region)    31:50.9
2. Emmaculate Anyango  (Nairobi Region)            31:53.2
3. Lilian Rengeruk            (Kenya Prison Service)   31:56.3
4. Beatrice Chebet            (Kenya Police Service)   31:9.7
5. Margaret Kipkemboi     (National Police Service) 31:21.2