Daniel Simiu, Maureen Jepkoech Shine Bright as Kenya Names Team for World Cross Country Championships

Daniel Simiu and Maureen Jepkoech were crowned champions at the National Cross Country Championships as Athletics Kenya named a strong team to the World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida, on January 10.

The men’s 10km senior race saw Daniel Simiu, the former world 10,000m silver medallist, and Silas Senchura battle for top honours. Silas Senchura was in control for the better part of the race, with Simiu running behind him.

Daniel Simiu and Kevin Chesang then took over, with the former doing most of the work. Chesang then took the lead, as Senchura maintained his third place.

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Simiu then took the lead once again, this time looking comfortable as he meant business, running towards the finish line. He secured the dominant win ahead of Kevin Chesang. Dennis Kipkoech Kemboi rounded up the podium.

“I’m feeling good…I’m more excited about the World Cross Country Championships because I have missed the national team. I was exhausted from competing at the Chicago Marathon, but I think cross country is in my blood,” Daniel Simiu said.

In the women’s 10km senior race, the battle was between Lilian Kasait and Maureen Jepkoech, among other brilliant women looking to secure a podium place.

Rebecca Mwangi was also not to be ruled out, owing to her impressive display, with Brenda Jemutai also looking good.

But then it was Maureen Jepkoech who unleashed a finishing kick to claim top honours in the women’s 10km senior race.

Brenda Jepchumba claimed second place with Glorius Jepkirui rounding up the podium. Lilian Kasait narrowly missed out on the podium with her fourth-place finish.

Purity Chepkirui, a former world under-20 1500m champion, stamped authority with a commanding victory, being in the leading pack from gun to tape. Judy Kemunto finished an impressive second in the race.

“I’m grateful to God for helping me get here, and I was not expecting to win. I’m glad to go there as the defending champions,” she said after the race.

On her part, Judy Kemunto expressed excitement to make her first national team, revealing that she will be out to represent Kenya well.

The men’s race saw former world under-20 1500m champion Reynold Cheruiyot claim top honours with Daniel Munguti claiming the win.

"My race tactics went well, even though I had taken a short break from competing. I'm glad that we are going to compete together again and we want to retain our title," the world 1500m bronze medallist shared.

The women’s under-20 6km race saw Cynthia Chepkirui claim top honours in 20.38 seconds ahead of Miriam Chemutai of South Rift, who clocked 20.49 seconds and Lorna Cherono of North Rift, who rounded up the podium in 21.00.

“I want to thank God because He has enabled me to come here and win. I also want to appreciate my coach, Paul Kemei, because he has trained me and advised me and given me the tactics to come here and conquer,” Cynthia Chepkirui shared after the race.

The men’s under-20 8km showdown featured rising stars Andrew Alamisi, Emmanuel Kiprono Kiprotich and Kevin Kiprop, each determined to claim bragging rights and book a place at the World Cross Country Championships.

With a stacked field full of hungry contenders, the race was wide open and nearly impossible to call.

However, it was Emmanuel Kiprotich who claimed the top honours in the race, ahead of surprise Frankline Kibet and Andrew Alamisi, who finished second and third respectively.

“I feel good to have finished second and secured my slot in the World Cross Country. I want to train well and make sure I win next time,” he added.

Women’s Under-20 6km Cynthia Chepkirui

Miriam Chemutai Kibet

Lonah Cherono

Mercy Chepngeno

Caren Chepngeno

Mercy Chelimo

Anastacia Cheptoo

Men’s Under-20 8km

Emmanuel Kipkorir Kiprono

Frankline Kibet

Andrew Alamisi Kiptoo

Edwin Sanutia

Kelvin Kiprop

Andrew Kiptoo

Brian Kandie

Women’s Senior Race – 10km

Maureen Jepkoech

Brenda Jepchumba

Glorius Jepkirui

Lilian Kasait

Caren Chebet

Beatrice Chebet

Agnes Ngetich

Men’s Senior Race – 10km

Daniel Simiu Ebenyo

Kevin Chesang

Dennis Kipkoech

Shadrack Kipng’etich

Weldon Langat

Robert Kiprop

Edwin Bett

Mixed Relay – 2km loop

Purity Chepkirui

Judy Kemunto

Winfred Mbithe

Reynold Cheruiyot

Daniel Munguti

Kevin Kipkoech