Machakos, August 9, 2025-The opening leg of the 2025/2026 Athletics Kenya (AK) Betika Cross Country Challenge at Machakos Teachers Training College served up a thrilling showcase of emerging talent, with South Rift’s Cynthia Chepkurui and Central Rift’s Festus Kimorwo Kaptum claiming emphatic wins in the U20 women’s and men’s races, respectively.
The event, designed to nurture Kenya’s next generation of elite runners, brought together promising juniors from across the country in a competitive yet developmental environment. Many of these athletes, including Chepkurui, Kaptum, and several others in the top ranks, are beneficiaries of Athletics Kenya’s Under-20 holiday training camps spread across the country.
These camps focus on building talent from the grassroots, instilling discipline, and preparing athletes for both national and international competition.
In the U20 women’s 6km race, Chepkurui, of Lemotit Athletics Camp, underlined her status as one to watch by breaking away from a tightly bunched lead pack in the final kilometre to win in 18:54.8. Earlier this year, she helped Kenya secure medals at the CAA African U18/U20 Athletics Championships in Nigeria.
“The race was not easy, but I was patient,” she said. “I pray to God to give me good health so I can secure a slot in the World Cross Country team.”
Runner-up Joyline Chepkemoi (19:00.4), also a Nigerian championships medallist, trains in an elite set-up alongside reigning World 5,000m champion Beatrice Chebet and Fancy Chepkorir, formerly of Lemotit.
Known for her fierce finishing kick, she admitted the scorching conditions slowed her push for victory. “The race wasn’t easy, and the weather was tough. I will go back and work on my finishing power,” she said.
Third place went to the ever-improving Jane Wangare (19:02.8), who vowed to come back stronger. “I thank God. The race wasn’t easy. I’ll get back to training and work hard to perfect where I fell short,” she said.
Miriam Chemutai Kibet (19:04.9), Remus Naserian (19:05.3), and Anatasia Cheptoo Langat (19:35.1) completed the top six.
The U20 men’s 8km race was equally gripping, with Kimorwo timing his surge to perfection in the final lap to edge out South Rift’s Ronald Kipkoech Ngetich (21:53.6), an Oklahoma State University in a sprint finish.
“The field was strong, but I kept my composure and trusted my training. This is a great start to the season,” Kaptum said after clocking 21:52.5.
Third-placed Kevin Kiprop Biwott (21:56.3) impressed with his aggressive early pace, while Charles Kiboino (21:59.9), Nicholas Kipchumba (22:07.9), and Kelvin Kakenya Kariankei (22:12.8) rounded out a competitive top six.
The AK Betika Cross Country Challenge is more than just a competition, it’s a proving ground where young runners gain exposure, learn tactical racing, and build confidence ahead of national and continental championships. For many, such events are stepping stones toward representing Kenya at the World U20 Championships and, ultimately, transitioning to senior-level success.
As the Betika Cross Country series continues, all eyes will be on these young stars to see who can maintain form and secure a place in Kenya’s rich distance-running legacy.
Top 6 Results – U20 Women 6km
Cynthia Chepkurui – 18:54.8
Joyline Chepkemoi – 19:00.4
Jane Wangari – 19:02.8
Miriam Chemutai Kibet – 19:04.9
Remus Naserian – 19:05.3
Anatasia Cheptoo Langat – 19:35.1
Top 6 Results – U20 Men 8km
Festus Kimorwo Kaptum – 21:52.5
Ronald Kipkoech Ngetich – 21:53.6
Kevin Kiprop Biwott – 21:56.3
Charles Kiboino – 21:59.9
Nicholas Kipchumba – 22:07.9
Kelvin Kakenya Kariankei – 22:12.8
By Robert Kibet -freelance journalist
