Paris 10km Road Race runners-up Loice Chemining and seasoned athlete Shadrack Ngumbao emerged champions at the Athletics Kenya Prisons Cross Country Championships, held on Saturday, in Ruiru.
Chemining, who finished second in last year’s edition, crossed the finish line in 33:09, improving significantly from her previous time of 35:44:50. Chemining last won the title in 2019 and then took a maternity and she has since returned with a bang.
Brillian Chepkorir came in second in 33:27, while Lilian Odira completed the podium crossing the finishing line in 33:44.
World marathon record holder Ruth Chepng’etich failed to live upto the expectations finishing fourth in 33:51.
“I thank God. I was not expecting this today, but I am grateful that I won. I have been working out well, and I was very prepared for the race. I gave my best,” Chemining told Mozzartsport.
“In 2019, I was a debutant in this course and I won. After that, I went on maternity leave, and I am glad to bounce back strongly,” she offered.
Chemining will now focus on Osaka Marathon and National Cross-Country Championships slated for next month.
In the men’s race, Ngumbao finally clinched the title in his seventh attempt, crossing the line in 30:11. Boaz Kipkurgut and Silas Chepkwony followed closely in 30:43 and 30:48 respectively.
“This is my seventh time competing in this competition, and I finally won. I am grateful to God. I have been building up for this competition through cross-country and mountain runs, and I also trained my mind to endure. I train in Ngong, which has greatly contributed to my fitness,” an excited Ngumbao said.
Women’s Results
Loice Chemining – 33:09
Brillian Chepkorir – 33:27
Lilian Odira – 33:44
Ruth Chepng’etich – 33:51
Carren Chebet – 34:24
Men’s Results
Shadrack Ngumbao – 30:11
Boaz Kiapkurgut – 30:43
Silas Chepkwony – 30:48
Fredrick Musyoki – 30:57
Hillary Simatwa – 31:05