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Veteran coach Julius Kirwa has expressed excitement for the 2024/25 Cross Country Series after a thrilling opener in Machakos.
Veteran athletics coach Julius Kirwa has expressed his excitement about the upcoming legs of the 2024/25 Cross Country Series, which kicked off in Machakos with thrilling performances from Kenya’s top runners.
Kirwa, the Athletics Kenya (AK) head coach, believes the championships are critical in bringing out the best in the athletes, who use cross-country events to sharpen their skills and prepare for more intense competitions later in the season.
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12:43 - 24.10.2024
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The experienced coach emphasized the importance of cross country in conditioning athletes for track races.
“There were approximately 700 athletes in Machakos and this is a very good sign for Kenyan athletics going forward,” Kirwa remarked enthusiastically.
“My hope is that the momentum will increase and that the competition will get even better. Cross country is a perfect build-up for the track and field season.”
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21:30 - 21.10.2024
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The Great Chepsaita Cross-country run has so far attrcted over 10,000 athletes, including elite athletes from the East African region.
The Machakos Teachers’ Training College hosted the opening leg of the annual series on Saturday, setting the stage for an intense season.
In the senior men’s 10km race, North Rift’s Asbel Kiprono put on a stellar performance, clocking 32:11.2 to claim victory.
He was closely followed by South Rift’s Francis Abong, who finished second with a time of 32:14.7, and Victor Kipruto, who came third at 32:29.1.
In the senior women’s 10km race, Maureen Chepkoech emerged victorious, clocking 36:22.9.
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10:20 - 21.10.2024
'I want to represent Kenya'-Asbel Kiprop reveals ambition after Machakos Cross-Country win
Kiprop braved the dusty course at the Machakos Teachers’ College to collect top honour in the senior men’s 10km, clocking 32:11.2 in first.
Christine Njoki followed her in second place with a time of 36:32.22, while Esther Chemtai completed the podium in third at 37:13.7.
The junior events also provided a showcase for the country’s emerging stars.
In the junior men’s 8km race, Ngong’s Silas Sentura triumphed with a time of 25:27.42, while Simon Maywa of North Rift (25:32.70) and South Rift’s Clinton Ngetich (25:38.04) finished second and third, respectively.
In the junior women’s 6km race, Yvonne Chepchirchir of Central Rift took first place with a time of 21:40.2, with Lorna Cherono (21:50.7) and Florence Chepkoech (21:57.7) following close behind in second and third.
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14:00 - 19.10.2024
Maureen Jepkoech & Asbel Kiprop pocket Sh50,000 each after claiming Machakos Cross Country titles
Asbel Kiprop Kiprono and Maureen Jepkoech claimed victories in the men's and women's 10km senior races at the first Athletics Kenya Cross Country Series in Machakos.
Looking ahead to the next leg of the series, set for October 26 at Kapsokwony Boys’ High School, Kirwa is optimistic about the turnout.
Registration is already ongoing, and officials are expecting even more competitors than the Machakos opener.
Among the athletes confirmed to participate is Africa Cross Country silver medallist Naibei Kiplimo, who will be competing in the senior men’s 10km event.
Kirwa emphasized the importance of consistent participation in the series for athletes aiming to succeed at the highest level.
“The beauty of cross country is that it really tests the athletes’ endurance and strength. This builds a solid foundation for the track season, where speed is essential,” Kirwa explained in a sperate interview.
“With the competition level we’ve seen so far, I’m confident we’ll see great performances throughout the series.”
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09:18 - 24.10.2024
Former British Olympian reveals why she loves training in Kenya
The retired British middle distance runner has explained why she fells comfortable training in Kenya.
Kiplimo, 24, will be looking to bounce back after narrowly missing out on a spot in Kenya’s Olympic team earlier this year.
The talented athlete finished 14th in the men’s 5000m at the national trials in June and is eager to make his mark in the cross country circuit.
The stakes are high for the competitors, with cash prizes adding to the allure of victory.
Winners in the senior men and women’s 10km races will each receive Ksh 50,000, while the junior winners in the men’s 8km and women’s 6km races will take home Ksh 30,000.
Additionally, a 2km loop for men and women will be part of the action in Kapsokwony.
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