Cheptegei itching for more at World X-Country

KAMPALA.

Had it not been for lack of silverware, Joshua Cheptegei would have unanimously been the best Ugandan runner of 2016.

And that’s because of his consistency where he not only got top-ten finishes in the 5,000m and 10,000m finals at Rio Olympics, but also had top-three finishes in eight international races last year.

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The 20-year-old has carried on that form to 2017. He began the year by claiming his first National Cross-country Championship title at Kololo Independence ground on Saturday.

While representing Kapchorwa, Cheptegei beat a field of 56 participants to win the senior men’s 10km race in 29 minutes and two seconds

“It was not easy,” Cheptegei said. “Everyone (in the field) wanted to win this race,” he said.

Cheptegei had just delivered a master class that not only wowed the sizeable number of spectators in the Kololo pavilion but also fellow participants and race officials.

Due to the vast flatness of the 2km course and the aura brewing from the big names in the event, the race started off fast with a pack of 12 runners.

Defending champion Phillip Kipyeko, pursuing a third straight title, took the lead before the end of the first lap but Cheptegei took over soon after.

The 2014 World University Cross-country winner surged further to a world of his own. He grew yards ahead, maintaining a matchless yet comfortable pace to the tape.

“Right after the Olympics, I knew I had to work hard to make it to the team for the World Cross-country but I expected a greater challenge. This course is better than the one in Guiyang (2015 World Cross-country) though it requires speed,” he remarked. “I have to improve on my act in the corners ahead of the World Cross-country in March.” he added.

Kipyeko settled for second in 29:24 while Abdallah Mande sealed third place after 29:40. Timothy Toroitich held on to beat Steven Kiprotich to fourth place after 29:42. The latter posted 29:46 in fifth.

Stephen Kiisa, Fred Musobo and Mande Bushendich completed the top eight positions in that order that will make Team Uganda’s senior team that will start to prepare for the global event due March 26 in Kololo.

Also, 2016 Olympians Peruth Chemutai and Jacob Kiplimo of Arua took the respective junior 6km and 8km titles. Mercyline Chelangat won the senior women’s 10km title.

RACE RESULTS - TOP THREE
SENIOR MEN (10KM)
1 Joshua Cheptegei (Kapchorwa) 29:02
2 Phillip Kipyeko (Prisons) 29:24
3 Abdallah Mande (Police) 29:40
SENIOR WOMEN(10KM)
1 Mercyline Chelangat (Police) 34:41
2 Racheal Zena Chebet (KCCA) 35:16
3 Dorcus Ajok (Prisons) 35:46
JUNIOR MEN (8KM)
1 Jacob Kiplimo (Arua) 23:25
2 Titus Kwemoi (Arua) 23:53
3 Victor Kiplangat (Arua) 23:54
JUNIOR WOMEN (6KM)
1 Peruth Chemutai (Police) 9:29
2 Janat Chemusto (Police) 9:29
3 Esther Chekwemoi (Police) 9:40

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