The Independent Uganda: You get the Truth we Pay the Price
Joshua Cheptegei destroyed a strong field to win the senior men’s gold at the National Cross Country Championships in Kampala Saturday in a time of 29 minutes 02.29 seconds.
Defending champion Phillip Kipyeko set the early pace, but when Cheptegei took charge in the second of five laps at Kololo, the battle for everyone else remained for second place.
Olympian Cheptegei stormed home over 100m clear to send a signal that he will be one of the stars to watch at the World Cross Country Championships that will be held at the same venue on March 26. Cheptegei made his Olympics debut last year, coming 6th in the 10,000 and 8th in the 5000m final.
Former marathon Olympic champion Stephen Kiprotich put up a strong showing, finishing 5th.
The women’s title went to Mercyline Chelangat , while Olympians Peruth Chemutai and Jacob Kiplimo won the junior women and men’s titles.
The championships were a dress rehearsal for the World Cross Country Championships, and after an incident-free event, the Local Organising Committee can confidently look forward to hosting the global event in March.
One of the highlights of today’s championship was the world debut of the mixed relay race. Amuria won the race, followed by Prison club and Police.
Senior Men’s Results 10km (top 10)
1 Joshua Kiprui Cheptegei Uganda 0:29:02
2 Phillip Kipyeko Uganda 0:29:24
3 Abdallah Kibet Mande Uganda 0:29:40
4 Timothy Toroitich Uganda 0:29:42
5 Stephen Kiprotich Uganda 0:29:46
6 Stephen Kiisa Uganda 0:29:53
7 Fred Musobo Uganda 0:29:55
8 Mande Bushendich Uganda 0:30:04
9 Peter Kibet Uganda 0:30:13
10 Filex Chemonges Uganda 0:30:18#
Senior Women results 8km (top 5)
1 Mercyline Chelangat 0:34:41
2 Rachael Zena Chebet 0:35:16 a
3 Dorcus Ajok 0:35:46
4 Doreen Chesang 0:35:54
5 Doreen Chemutai 0:35:56
Junior women 6km (top 3)
1 Peruth Chemutai 0:20:20
2 Janat Chemusto 0:20:39
3 Esther Chekwemoi 0:21:08
Junior men 8km (top 3)
1 Jacob Kiplimo 0:23:25
2 Titus Kwemoi 0:23:53 + 29
3 Victor Kiplangat 0:23:54
