Phanuel Kipkosgei and Diana Chepkemoi emerged victorious at the ISF World Cross Country for School under 18 titles held today at Ngong Racecourse, Nairobi.
Kenya displayed exceptional prowess in cross country, dominating all six categories against their formidable opponents, Uganda, who had claimed victory in Slovakia last year.
The competition featured races across six categories for boys and girls under 18, under 15, and under 12.
Hosted in Nairobi, Kenya secured six gold, six silver, and five bronze medals, affirming their position as a powerhouse in athletics and instilling hope for the nation’s future in sports. Uganda claimed a bronze in the boys under 12 category.
Diana Chepkemoi, a form three student at Saramek Secondary School, triumphed in the 3.4km race with a time of 10:49.8, leading Mary Nyaboke, the Federation of East Africa Secondary Schools Sports Association (FEASSSA) 1,500m champion from St. Peters’ Keberesi Secondary School, who finished second in 10:51.4. Dorcas Chepkwemoi, also a form three student at St. Francis Kongit, secured the third position with a time of 10:53.4, completing an all-Kenyan podium sweep.
Reflecting on her victory, Chepkemoi expressed her joy, stating, “I’m thrilled to have won today. The race was challenging, and this victory holds significant meaning for me, considering my thorough preparations for this event and the promising future it suggests.”
In the boys’ category, Kipkosgei claimed the under 18 title, solidifying his top position. The form three student from St. Francis Kimuron in Elgeyo Marakwet County completed the race in 14:39.6, ahead of Kevin Kiprop at 14:43.6 and Nelson Simire at 14:53.4, securing the second and third positions, respectively.
Selected results:
Under 18 Girls:
- Diana Chepkemoi (KEN) – 10:47.8
- Mary Nyaboke (KEN) – 10:51.4
- Dorcas Chepkwemoi (KEN) – 10:53.4
- Sheila Chepngeno (KEN) – 10:53.8
- Miriam Wamboi (KEN) – 10:58.6
- Charity Cherop (UGA) – 11:11.0
- Miriam Chemutai (KEN) – 11:20.6
- Kezia Chebet (UGA) – 11:28.4
- Doricah Minsari Isoe (KEN) – 11:31.4
- Clair Uwitonze (RWA) – 11:36.6
Under 18 Boys:
- Phanuel Kipkosgei (KEN) – 14:39.8
- Kevin Kiprop (KEN) – 14:43.6
- Nelson Simire (KEN) – 14:53.4
- Bernard Kikumbi (KEN) – 14:58.7
- Japheth Arapsantha (UGA) – 15:00.1
- Osama El-Radouami (MAR) – 15:14.9
- Elisha Yeko (UGA) – 15:16.9
- Victor Cherotich (UGA) – 15:21.8
- Brian Kiptoo Ngetich (KEN) – 15:25.0
- Elly Kiplimo Simotwa (KEN) – 15:28.3
