- Daniel Ebenyo clinched the men’s 10km senior title in a time of 30:48.0
- This was Ebenyo’s first ever AK national cross country title.
- Emmanuel Wanyonyi overcame bigwigs to win the men’s 2km loop title.
Daniel Ebenyo has finally laid his hands on the coveted Athletics Kenya (AK) national cross country title.
Ebenyo, who finished second in the 2023 World Athletics Road Running Championships, ran a calculated race to overcome a deep field in a colorful event that was staged at the Eldoret Sports Club on Saturday.
The Iten-based athlete broke away from the leading part in the middle stages of the race and took the lead for a few minutes before slowing the other contenders to catch up with him.
However, with less than three laps remaining to the end of the race, Ebenyo took command of the race again and never looked back this time round.
Play here and stand the chance of winning the over Ksh 402 million SportPesa Mega jackpot
He turned on the gears in the final 1000m and started celebrating even before cutting the tape as the crowds cheered him.
The runner, who hails from Baragoi in Baringo County, braved the sunny conditions to cross the finishing line in an outstanding time of 30:48.
Ebenyo was followed by Nickson Kogei of the Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and Simon Mungai of Central Region, who clocked 30:52 and 30:55 in the order.
Meanwhile, Kibiwott Kandie, who was one of the pre-race favorites to win the race, registered a sixth place finish.
A comfortable win for Emmanuel Wanyonyi
In another race, Emmanuel Wanyonyi overcame a star-studded field that had the likes of former world champion Timothy Cheruiyot, and Reynold Cheruiyot to win the 2km men’s loop race.
The 2024 Paris Olympic Games 800m gold medalist took matters into his own hands and went on to win the race in a sensational fashion. He was followed by Reynold with Timothy settling for the third-place position.
Elsewhere, Kevin Kiprop and Lorna Cherono ran away with the 8km men’s U20 and 6km women’s U20 titles.
Cherono finished ahead of Joyline Chepkemoi and Cynthia Chepkirui while Kiprop was followed by Franklin Kibet and Emmanuel Lemiso.
The winners in each category received monetary awards with Ebenyo pocketing Ksh 200,000 for emerging victorious in the 10km senior men’s event.
Top three finishers in the men’s 10km senior category
- Daniel Ebenyo: 30:48.0 (Police)
- Nickson Kogei: 30:52.6 (KWS)
- Simon Mungai: 30:55.7 (Central)
Top three finishers in the men’s 2km loop category
- Emmanuel Wanyonyi
- Reynold Cheruiyot
- Timothy Cheruiyot
Top 3 finishers in the men’s U20 8km category
- Kevin Kiprop: 24:57.4 (Central Rift)
- Frankline Kibet: 24:59.3 (North Rift)
- Emmanuel Lemiso: 25:00.0 (South Rift)
Top 3 finishers in the women’s U20 6km category
- Lornah Cherono: 21:1.7 (North Rift)
- Joyline Chepkemoi: 21:15.6 (Central Rift)
- Cynthia Chepkurui: 21:21.1 (Nairobi)
ALSO READ: “I will heed the call” Hellen Obiri talks 2025 Tokyo World Athletics Championships