Kelvin Kariankei and Joan Chepkurui produced commanding displays on Saturday as they stormed to victory in the men’s and women’s Under-20 races at the Great Chepsaita Cross Country.
Kariankei claimed the men’s 8km title in 25:20, pulling away from a strong field that included Emmanuel Kipchirchir (25:27) and Alex Pelor (25:33).
The Form Four student at Chepsaita Secondary School said his improved performance came from lessons learned after competing at the National Cross Country Championships.
“Finishing 12th at the nationals taught me a lot,” Kariankei reflected. “I realized I was pushing too hard too early. Today I stayed patient, stayed with the pack, and saved my energy for the final lap—and it worked perfectly.”
Runner-up Kipchirchir admitted the course demanded every ounce of strength he had.
“It was a good race, but the hills were tough and really tested me,” he said.
Kipchirchir has been sharpening his form since competing in both the Baringo and National Cross Country Championships, where he narrowly missed the podium.
“After finishing fourth at the Nationals, I went back home and committed to a stricter routine—10km in the morning and another 4km in the evening,” he explained. “That consistency helped me reach the podium today.”
In the women’s U20 race, Chepkurui delivered an emphatic run to win the 6km contest in 21:34, beating Mercy Kirwa (21:48) and Fancy Chepkorir (22:07), who placed second and third respectively.
Despite her dominant display, Chepkurui admitted she did not arrive in Chepsaita expecting to win.
“It was my first time racing here, and I knew the course had a reputation for being tough,” she said. “I honestly didn’t expect to come out on top, but I am grateful that the hard training paid off.”
She described the terrain as brutal but said her determination carried her through.
“The course was unforgiving, but I told myself to stay focused and finish strong. I prepared well knowing Chepsaita never gives easy races.”
Runner-up Kirwa also pointed to the challenges presented by the conditions.
“The race went well, but the strong winds made it difficult,” she said. “It was my debut here, and it pushed me to my limits.”
The promising young athlete has been steadily rising through the Athletics Kenya Cross Country Series and remains eager for more.
“I recently ran at the Kapsokwony Cross Country where I finished fourth, so I’ve been focusing on my speed,” Kirwa said. “I compete in the 1500m and 5000m, and my dream is to wear the Kenyan jersey on the global stage.”
Third-place finisher Fancy Chepkorir credited her success to training in elite company.
“I train in Iten under Coach Peter Bii, and I’m lucky to train alongside double world champion Beatrice Chebet,” she shared. “Being around her pushes me to believe in myself. Making the podium today is a blessing.”
Chepkorir has been sharpening her form through the Athletics Kenya Cross Country circuit with appearances in Olkalau and Machakos as she eyes a breakthrough season.
“I’m a 5000m athlete, and I’m really hoping 2026 will be my year. I feel strong, motivated, and ready,” she added with a confident smile.
