Dorcus Ndiema and Mathew Kipkoech Reign Supreme at 2025 Great Chepsaita Cross Country Run

Dorcus Ndiema and Mathew Kipkoech had no equals at the 2025 edition of the Great Chepsaita Cross Country Run as they won the senior titles after fierce battles.

Dorcus Ndiema and Mathew Kipkoech claimed top honours at the 2025 edition of the Great Chepsaita Cross Country Run held in Uasin Gishu county on Saturday.

Upgraded by World Athletics to a gold label event last year, the third edition of the event lived up to the stature, as stiff competition was witnessed with elite runners fighting for the Ksh750,000 winner’s prize on offer.

However, it was Ndiema and Kipkoech celebrating victory in the end after winning the senior women and men’s race during the event held at Chepkemel Secondary School, in Turbo.

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Ndiema was too good for her rivals in the senior women’s 10km race, winning it in 35:44, ahead of second-placed Brenda Jepchirchir, the 19-year-old clocking 36:08, while the more experienced Faith Cherono, 26, settled for third place in 36:39.

10km Winners Reveal Secrets to Success

“The race was tough but I pushed myself and I'm happy to win. Last year, I was in the Under-20 category and finished seventh. My transition from the ISF cross country to the senior category has been great,” Ndiema revealed after claiming victory.

Meanwhile in the senior men’s 10km, a fierce battle was witnessed as the top three finishers were separated by one second each, Kipkoech clocking 31:49 for first place, ahead of Cornelius Konor (31:50) as Sammy Kapserem completed the podium in a time of 31:51.

“I train in Iten, under Asics management, and I'm trained by coach Peter Bii. Last year, I was third in Chepsaita, and I went back to the drawing board with an aim of coming back and improving my performance. I just put in more effort in training and remained focused. This win means a lot to me,” Kipkoech said after the race.

How Much Was at Stake for The Winners?

In the U20 category, Kelvin Kariankei won the men’s 8km race, the 17-year-old managing a time of 25:20, to beat Emmanuel Kipchirchir (25:27), who finished second, ahead of third-placed Alex Pelor (25:33).

The women’s U20 6km race was won by Joan Chepkurui, who stopped the clock at 21:34, while Mercy Kirwa timed 21:48 for second place ahead of Fancy Chepkorir in third with a time of 22:07.

Winners of the senior race took home Ksh750,000 each with second place attracting Ksh500,000 while the third-placed athletes pocketed Ksh350,000.

In the U20 category, victory earned both Kariankei and Chepkurui Ksh200,000 each while second-placed athletes were rewarded with Ksh150,000 as Ksh100,000 went to those who finished third.