Purity Chepkirui bounces back from injury to claim top prize at Sirikwa Classic Cross-country

ATHLETICS Purity Chepkirui bounces back from injury to claim top prize at Sirikwa Classic Cross-country

Abigael Wafula 16:33 - 03.02.2024

Purity Chepkirui has been out of competition due to an injury but she announced her return with a win at the Sirikwa Classic Cross-country.

Reigning World Under20 1500m champion Purity Chepkirui is elated to be back into competitive running after battling a series of injuries last season.

Chepkirui announced her return with a win in the 2km race at the Sirikwa Classic Cross-country happening at the Lobo Village in Eldoret.

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“I have enjoyed today’s race…I had suffered a hamstring injury last season and running here today has shown me that I’ve started picking the pace slowly. I have started training as I eye important assignments,” she said.

The youngster disclosed that she is eyeing the World Cross-country Championships and later the Olympic Games in Paris, France. She added that at the moment, the All Africa Games in Accra, Ghana are not her priority.

“My eyes are fixed on the World Cross-country Championships at the moment then later I might bid for a ticket to the Olympic Games in Paris…those are the two major assignments I’ll be focusing on. For the All Africa Games, I’m not certain about going to compete there,” she said.

As she prepares for the World Cross-country Championships, she admitted that there she is under the pump to deliver since Kenya won the team title last year.

“There is definitely a lot of pressure but we shall keep working hard in order to retain the title and fly the country’s flag high again,” she said.

Chepkirui added that her body is responding well to training and the cross-country was a great way for her to kickstart her season.

“Today’s cross country was more of a build-up for me because I have been out for some time and I haven’t competed in a cross-country race before.

“I have improved my endurance and speed and I’m glad to have come and competed here,” she added.

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