KDF Cross Country Championship Showcases Remarkable Talent 

Today, the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) held their Athletics Kenya (AK) Cross Country Championship at the Ulinzi Sports Complex grounds.

The event featured a total of 17 formations representing the entire KDF family, highlighting the unity and competitive spirit within the organization. The championship also showcased the exceptional talent of Kenyan athletes, with thrilling races in both the men’s and women’s categories. 

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Men’s 10km Race 

Sgt Kibiwott Kandie, the 2022 Commonwealth Games bronze medalist and the 2023 Kenya national 10,000m champion, delivered a masterclass performance. Kandie took command of the race from the 2,000m mark and never looked back, finishing in a commanding time of 29:13.5. 

SPTE Wisley Yego from the WAB unit was the only athlete who attempted to keep up with Kandie when he accelerated. Yego’s efforts earned him a second-place finish with a time of 29:28.7. Cpl Wilson Too from Kahawa Garrison rounded off the podium with a time of 29:47.7. 

Women’s 10km Race

The women’s race was equally exciting, featuring some of Kenya’s finest athletes, led by Cpl Sheila Chepkurui, the 2024 Chicago Marathon champion. In a dramatic finish, GNR Diana Chepkori staged an upset by overtaking Cpl Joyce Chepkemoi in the final 50 meters to claim victory. 

The two athletes battled fiercely throughout the race, but Chepkori’s determination carried her to the finish line with a winning time of 3:15.7, representing Embakasi. Cpl Chepkemoi secured second place in 33:16.4, just a heartbeat behind. Sgt Joyciline Jepkosgei, the 2019 TCS New York City Marathon winner, finished third in 33:27.2. Cpl Chepkurui had an off day, finishing in 13th place. 

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Challenging Conditions 

The partly cloudy weather, with a high of 75°F (24°C) and a low of 59°F (15°C), coupled with the course’s altitude of approximately 1,822m, made the race particularly demanding. The sharp corners and undulating terrain tested the athletes’ endurance and strategy, evident in their heavy breathing as they pushed to outpace each other. 

The championship once again demonstrated the depth of talent within the Kenya Defence Forces, with promising performances that hint at even greater accomplishments on the global stage.