Marion Jepng'etich bags Under-20 5000m title after World X-country Champs visa hitch

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AK MEET Marion Jepng'etich bags Under-20 5000m title after World X-country Champs visa hitch

Abigael Wafula 15:48 - 24.02.2023

The youngster made the team to Bathurst but a visa hitch denied her a chance to participate.

After missing out on a ticket to the just-concluded World Cross-country Championships in Bathurst, Australia, Marion Jepng'etich returned stronger after destroying a strong field of athletes to win the Under-20 5000m race.

Jepng'etich, who could not make Team Kenya due to a visa hitch she encountered said she motivated herself to make the team for the Under-18 and Under-20 East African Athletics Regional Championships.

The international event will be staged at the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Tanzania from 10-11 March.

During the national trials for the cross-country on December 10, Jepng'etich settled for fifth place in the junior women's race.

"I could not afford to give up so I decided to venture into training and I thank God for this win," Jepng'etich said.

She clocked 15:51.29 to cross the finish line ahead of training mate Diana Cherotich who clocked 15:51.33. Maureen Chepkoech settled for third place in 15:52.86.

She however noted that she was disappointed with the time posted and going forward, that is what she looks to work on.

"I am not happy with my time... that's what I want to better when I go back into training," she said.

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