Eldoret, Kenya – December 7: Ugandan rising star Loice Chekwemoi and Kenyan talent Samwel Chebolei Masai clinched stunning victories at the Great Chepsaita Cross Country. This World Athletics Cross Country Tour Gold event drew thousands of spectators eager to witness elite competition in the heart of Kenya’s running hub.
Chekwemoi’s Commanding Victory in the Women’s Race
At just 17, Loice Chekwemoi proved unstoppable in the women’s 10km race, delivering a dominant win in 34:32—more than 80 seconds ahead of her closest competitor. Ethiopian teenager Shimeles Mekides Molla initially surged to an early lead during the first 2km loop, but Chekwemoi quickly took control, leaving the rest of the field far behind.
Molla finished second in 35:57, followed by Kenya’s Celestine Biwot in third with a time of 36:43. Reflecting on her achievement, Chekwemoi said:
“Winning here, in the land of champions, feels surreal. I told myself I am a champion too, and I must fight for it. This win inspires me to work even harder as I aim to qualify for next year’s World Championships in Tokyo.”
Chebolei’s Tactical Mastery in the Men’s Event
The men’s 10km race saw intense competition, with a group of 10 athletes setting a fast pace early on. By the fourth lap, only three runners remained in contention: world U20 cross-country bronze medallist Matthew Kipkoech Kipruto, 2019 African Games 5000m champion Robert Kiprop, and Samwel Chebolei.
In the closing stages, Chebolei’s decisive finishing kick secured him victory in 30:49, nine seconds ahead of Kiprop. Pre-race favourite Kipruto completed the podium in 31:12.
“This was a tough race with many strong competitors,” said Chebolei. “After the third lap, we strategized to drop the pack, and it worked. This victory gives me confidence as I prepare for Tokyo.”
Future Stars Emerge in U20 Races
The U20 competitions highlighted exceptional young talent. Kevin Kiprop Biwott won the U20 men’s race, defeating world U20 5000m champion Andrew Kiptoo Alamisi by 17 seconds. Cynthia Chepkurui, who was ninth at the African Cross Country Championships, claimed the U20 women’s 6km title with an impressive time of 21:17.
Legends Inspire on Home Soil
The event celebrated Kenya’s rich athletic heritage, featuring appearances by legends like Eliud Kipchoge, Faith Kipyegon, David Rudisha, and Janeth Jepkosgei. Their presence served as an inspiration to the competing athletes and fans alike.
This year’s Great Chepsaita Cross Country showcased breathtaking talent, reaffirming its status as a cornerstone event on the international cross-country calendar.
Leading results
Senior men (10km)
1 Samwel Chebolei Masai (KEN) 30:49
2 Robert Koech Kiprop (KEN) 30:58
3 Mathew Kipkoech Kipruto (KEN) 31:12
4 Naibei Kiplimo (KEN) 31:22
5 Charles Rotich (KEN) 31:23
Senior women (10km)
1 Loice Chekwemoi (UGA) 34:32
2 Shimeles Mekides Molla (ETH) 35:57
3 Celestine Biwot (KEN) 36:43
4 Jerono Daisilah (KEN) 36:53
5 Sylylvia Nyoka Yego (KEN) 37:24
U20 men (8km)
1 Kevin Biwott Kiprop (KEN) 24:37
2 Andrew Kiptoo Alamisi (KEN) 24:54
3 Edwin Sanutia (KEN) 25:22
4 Cornelius Kipkosgei (KEN) 25:38
5 Ezekiel Kwemei (KEN) 25:40
U20 women (6km)
1 Cynthia Chepkurui (KEN) 21:17
2 Yvonne Jepchirchir Chepkoskei (KEN) 21:43
3 Joyline Chepkemoi (KEN) 21:50
4 Alice Chemtai Loitasia (KEN) 21:59
5 Claire Cheruto (KEN) 22:0
