- Brillian Jepkorir won the senior women’s 10km title in 34:29.1.
- She was followed by Maurine Jepkoech and Stacy Ndiwa.
- Jepkorir recently returned from a maternity break.
Brillian Jepkorir returned from maternity leave with a bang as she won the 2025 Kenya national cross-country title.
Jepkorir was in a class of her own, leading from early stages of the hotly contested race to the finishing line.
She broke away from the leading group alongside one-time London Marathon winner Joyciline Jepkosgei and central-rift region competitor Maurine Jepkoech with about four kilometers to go to the end of the race.
With less than two kilometres remaining, the battle for the title was between Jepkorir and the fast-rising Jepkoech.
The latter tried to overtake Jepkorir, but she was not given a chance to do so as the experienced Kenya Prisons runner produced a brilliant kick to win the race in 34:29.1.
Play here and stand a chance of winning the over Ksh 402 million SportPesa Mega Jackpot
Jepkoech settled for second in 32:32.7 with Stay Ndiwa of the National Police Service (NPS) overtaking Jepkosgei to clinch the third position in a time of 34:54.5.
Speaking shortly after the race, a delighted Jepkorir stated that she was happy for making her employers proud.
“I am feeling good to participate in the national cross country championships and winning the gold medal for the Prison Service. I am very happy,” commented Jepkorir.
When asked which event she will take part in after today’s heroics, Jepkorir stated that she is not yet sure because her coach is still making plans.
“I don’t know where I am going next, but God willing, I will take part in a half marathon,” she commented.
Click here to register as a SportPesa customer
Jepkoech overcomes diversity
On the other hand, Jepkoech divulged that she was stressed before the start of the race since her name was not in the starting list.
“First, I would like to thank God for keeping me healthy to the point that I have featured in the 10km event here today.
I finished second, but at the start line there was a little bit of confusion because the officials had not included my name in the start list. So, I was stressed, but after all I was allowed to compete,” revealed Jepkoech.
Jepkorir, who is expected to celebrate her 30th birthday in March, received a mouth-watering Ksh 200,000 for winning the race.
On the other hand, Jepkoech and Ndiwa were each awarded Ksh 130,000 and Ksh 100,000 respectively for finishing inside the podium positions.
Purity Chepkirui shines in 2km women’s loop
In the 2km women’s loop, Purity Chepkirui displayed nerves of steel to win the title ahead of the experienced Caroline Nyaga and Lilian Odira.
Nyaga, who revealed after the race that she has set her focus on the upcoming 2025 World Athletics Championships that is scheduled to take place in Tokyo, Japan from September 13, crossed the finishing line, two seconds ahead of Odira.
Top five finishers in the 10km women’s category
- Brillian Jepkorir: 34:29.1 (Prisons)
- Maurine Jepkoech: 32:32.7 (North Rift)
- Stacy Ndiwa: 34:54.5 (Police)
- Joyciline Jepkosgei: 35:01.9
Top three finishers in the 2km women’s loop category
- Purity Chepkirui (Central Rift)
- Caroline Nyaga (Police)
- Lilian Odira (Prisons)
ALSO READ: “I will heed the call” Hellen Obiri talks 2025 Tokyo World Athletics Championships