Kipkoech and Ndiema Reign at Great Chepsaita Cross Country

Mathew Kipkoech and Dorcus Ndiema stamped their authority at the third edition of the Great Chepsaita Cross Country, a World Athletics Gold Label event, held on Saturday in Chepsaita.

Kipkoech clinched the men’s 10km title in 31:49 after a dramatic sprint finish, edging Cornelius Konor by just one second. Sammy Kapserem settled for third in 31:51. The 20-year-old Iten-based athlete improved significantly on his third-place finish last year, underlining his rapid rise in the senior circuit.

Ndiema dominated the women’s 10km in 35:44, marking a memorable debut in the senior category. She crossed the line comfortably ahead of Brenda Jepchirchir, who finished in 36:08, while Faith Cherono placed third in 36:39. The victory comes shortly after Ndiema narrowly missed selection to Kenya’s World Cross Country Championships team for Florida

In the junior races, Kelvin Kariankei thrilled local fans by winning the U20 men’s 8km in 25:20, beating Emmanuel Kipchirchir and Alex Pelor. Joan Chepkurui sealed the U20 women’s 6km crown in 21:34, finishing ahead of Mercy Kirwa and Fancy Chepkorir.

With intense competition and strong depth across all categories, this year’s event once again affirmed its growing status as a global cross-country stage, attracting both rising prospects and seasoned talent.