Mathew Kipkoech cuts the tape in the senior men's 10km race/ HANDOUTMathew Kipkoech and Dorcus Ndiema crowned a thrilling third edition of the Great Chepsaita Cross Country on Saturday, storming to the senior men’s and women’s titles with authority.
Kipkoech clinched the men’s 10km crown in 31:49, outkicking Cornelius Konor (31:50) and Sammy Kapserem (31:51) in a fierce three-way sprint finish.
The 20-year-old, who trains in the famed high-altitude hub of Iten, upgraded his third-place finish from last year’s race.
During the 2024 edition, he clocked 31:12 behind Samwel Chebolei (30:49) and Robert Kiprop (30:58).
“I am happy to win here today. Last year, I was third and today, I was able to finish first,” Kipkoech said.
He credited his sheer determination and focus in training to his dominant display during Saturday's race.
“I put more effort after that podium finish and motivated myself to keep going.”
Kipkoech has been in sparkling cross-country form, claiming back-to-back podium finishes in European meets.
On November 16, he took third at the XXXI Campo a Traves International de Soria 8km race in Spain in 23:13.
He then upgraded to second a week later at the iconic 93rd Cinque Mulini race in Italy, timing 23:20 over 8.2km.
His next outing remains under discussion.
“I don’t know my next race yet. I will sit down with my coach so we can plan,” he said.
Runner-up Konor relished his senior debut in Chepsaita after featuring in the U20 ranks last year.
“This is my second time here. The competition was very tough, but I thank God I was able to finish,” he said.
“The course was good, the only challenge was the heat.”
In the senior women’s showdown, Ndiema delivered a commanding performance, powering to victory in 35:44.
Brenda Jepchirchir (36:08) and Faith Cherono (36:39) completed the podium.
Ndiema, who turned 20 just a day earlier, said the win was the perfect response to missing out on Kenya’s team to the Florida World Cross Country Championships after the nationals in October.
“I did not make the team, so I decided to give my best here,” she said. “I came prepared, knowing I was going for nothing short of a win.”
Her buildup was centred on long runs and sharpening speed endurance. “The race was tough but I pushed myself to ensure I finished first,” she added.
Competing at Chepsaita for the second time after running the U-20 race last year, Ndiema now graduates to the senior elite ranks with soaring confidence.
Next up for the Kaptagat-based athlete, coached by Steeplechase legend Patrick Sang, is a cross-country race in the Netherlands on December 14.
“The win here motivates me to chase glory in my upcoming race,” she said.
Her long-term goal is donning the Kenya singlet on the global stage.
“On track, I run the 5,000m, and I hope soon I can represent the country at major championships.”
Jepchirchir, who trains in Keringet under coach Willy Langat, says she didn’t expect to finish on the podium.
"This is my first time running the senior women's race. The race was good, I did not expect to make the podium today."
Next for Jepchirchir is the Valencia 10k race in January 2026.
"I am now going back to training to prepare for Valencia in January."
