By KPC Sports Reporter
Kisii University athletes Isaya Kiriago and Faith Chebet overcame scorching conditions to claim top honours at the Kenya Universities Sports Federation (KUSF) National Cross Country Trials held on Saturday at South Eastern Kenya University (SEKU) in Kitui County.
Chebet enjoyed a remarkable double, winning both the women’s 10km race and the 2km loop as KUSF used the event to select 18 athletes who will represent Kenya at the International University Sports Federation (FISU) World Universities Cross Country Championships scheduled for March 14–15 in Cassino, Italy.
Driven by her ambition to earn a maiden national team call-up, Chebet said her consistent training at Kisii University and in Iten had paid off.
“I have been training well to ensure I win this title and earn a slot to Italy. I have never travelled with the national team before, and this gives me a great opportunity,” Chebet said.
“At the same time, I am in a town hall camp where I am training to earn a scholarship to study and run in the USA.”
Chebet clocked 38:37.29 to win the women’s 10km ahead of Dedan Kimathi University’s Virginia Rubia, who finished second in 40:17.47. University of Eldoret’s Gomeri Chebet placed third in 43:31.87.
In the men’s race, Kiriago continued his impressive form, claiming victory in 30:55.48. Maseno University’s Evanson Kipkirui finished second in 31:48.39, while Masinde Muliro University’s Enock Masai placed third in 32:36.59. All three secured provisional qualification slots to Italy.
Less than a month after sweeping the 5,000m and 10,000m titles at a track meet in Eldoret, the reigning Ultra Trail 23km Mountain Run champion in South Africa credited his mountain-running background for the victory.
“I am used to competing in the mountains, and coming to this flat course, despite the hot sun, it felt easy for me. That is why it was an easy win,” said Kiriago, who hopes to pursue mountain running professionally.
KUSF president Alfred Kibet Rono said the federation was keen to ensure student-athletes get an opportunity to compete on the global stage.
“We have given the students a great chance to earn slots to Italy. The technical team will select the best team based on records, including today’s results,” Rono said.
He urged universities to support the athletes to enable their participation at the championships.
“We want universities to support us so we can send the students,” he said.
Rono added that the final squad will comprise athletes based in Kenya as well as students from the United States and Japan, bringing the team to 18 athletes and six officials.
“We are also appealing to the Ministry of Sports to support these students so they can represent the country at the world championships,” he said.