Rift Valley Dominates as Kenya Picks 60 Athletes for World School Cross Country Championships
The national trials for the World School Cross Country Championships took place at Nakuru High School in Nakuru, where students from across the nation competed for spots to represent Kenya globally. Rift Valley region once again showcased its prowess in athletics, securing top positions across all categories, including Under 12, Under 15, and Under 18.
The one-day event kicked off with the under-12 girls’ 1.1km race. Dorcas Chelagat from Kericho emerged victorious with a time of 03:46.0, followed by Belinda Chepkorir and Joyline Jerotich from Bungoma in second and third positions, respectively.
In the under-12 boys’ race, Ezron Kimurgor of Kabiyet Secondary School claimed the top spot with a time of 03:34.0, while Benjamin Shikuku from Uasin Gishu secured second place, and Dominic Nyambuto from Nyanza finished third.
Faith Jeptum from Rift Valley triumphed in the under-15 girls’ 2.2km race, crossing the finish line in 07:14.3. She expressed her delight, stating that the race was enjoyable and relatively easier compared to previous competitions. Faith looks forward to representing Kenya and aims to secure her first career medal at the global championships.
Benson Kilongosi, also from Rift Valley, led a clean sweep in the under-15 boys’ 3.3km race with a time of 10:01.4. He expressed his excitement about representing Kenya at the international level and is determined to win a medal.
Joyline Chepkemoi dominated the under-18 girls’ 3.3km race, finishing in 10:58.5. She expressed gratitude for her success and is hopeful of winning a medal at the World Schools Cross Country Championships.
In the fiercely contested Under 18 boys’ 5.5km race, Phanuel Kipkosgei emerged victorious with a time of 16:20.4. He aims to make up for missing out on a podium finish in his previous international competition.
Kenya selected the top 10 finishers in each race to represent the country at the global championships following the trials. The Ministry of Education Principal Secretary, Hon. Belio Kipsang, congratulated all participants and praised the organisers for a successful event.
The selected team will train in a residential camp to prepare for the championships, which will see participation from 23 countries worldwide. The President of the Republic of Kenya will flag off the team at the appropriate time.
The following is the list of athletes selected to represent Kenya:
| Boys under 12 (1.1km) | Girls under 12 (1.1km) | Boys under 15 (3.3km) | Girls under 15 (2.2km) | Boys under 18 (5.5km) | Girls under 18 (3.3km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ezron Kimurgor | Dorcas Chelagat | Benson Kilongosi | Faith Jeptum | Phanuel Kipkosgei | Diana Chepkemoi |
| Benjamin Shikuku | Belinda Chepkorir | Peter Lumoryon | Jane Nangari | Nelson Simiren | Joyline Chepkemoi |
| Dominic Nyambuto | Joyline Jerotich | Dennis Kiprop | Sandra Chepchumba | Bavin Muthii | Mirriam Chemtai |
| Joshua Cherobo | Sheila Chepkosgei | Solomon Kiprono | Gloria Chelimo | Kelvin Kiprop | Dorcas Chepkwemoi |
| Edwin Odinga | Mitchel Chebet | Dan Kibet | Hazel Kipyegon | Bernard Kikumbi | Mary Nyaboke |
| Fobian Kiplangat | Ruth Cherotich | Samuel Otuta | Faith Chepkirui | Brian Kiptoo Ng’etich | Abigael Chebet |
| Joshua Kiplimo | Abigael Chelimo | Cleophas Koromon | Esther Mwihaki | Perminus Tinega | Dorcas Isoe |
| Dennis Kipiwot | Rita Chemutai | Victor Kibet | Ebra Chebet | Elly Kiplimo | Mirriam Wangui |
| Jaffin Ronny | Sheila Chepkoech | Ian Kipkoech | Clare Cheruto | Victor Kiptum | Venenza Chebet |
| Derrick Shikuku | Ivy Chepkosgei | Davis Ingila | Mitchel Jepchumba | Rooney Balala | Sheila Chepngeno |
The selected athletes are gearing up for rigorous training to ensure they perform at their best and bring glory to the nation.
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Rift Valley Dominates as Kenya Picks 60 Athletes for World School Cross Country Championships
