Kipsiro retains National Cross country title

Feb 01, 2014

Kipsiro had earlier in the week said he would not compete in Jinja because he was preparing for the National Half Marathon next weekend.

By James Bakama in Jinja

Moses Kipsiro made a surprise appearance in Jinja yesterday and went on to retain the National Cross country title.

Kipsiro had earlier in the week said he would not compete in Jinja because he was preparing for the National Half Marathon next weekend.
 

His opponents who had started toasting to his “absence” were however shocked when he turned up at the Jinja Chairman’s Park where the event was held.
 

In his traditional style, he started off the senior men’s 12 kilometer race slowly and only strode into the lead at the half-way point.
 

Running in a front pack that also had team-mate Thomas Ayeko, Daniel Rotich and Moses Kibet, Kipsiro sped away in the final 200 meters to win in 36 minutes 36:9 seconds.
 

The scorching mid day sun had its toll on the runners. “I could have returned in a much faster time but it was just too hot,” said Kipsiro.
 

The double Commonwealth gold medalist said the race was good speed work training for Saturday’s half marathon in Mbale. “This is proof that I still have the speed. What remains to be tested now is endurance.”
 

Stella Chesang clocked 20:59:00 to win the women’s junior race while the junior men’s eight kilometer event was won by Phillip Kipyeko in 23:57:8.

The top 40runners from yesterday's cross-country start residential training at a high altitude camp in the Sebei region on Tuesday. This is in preparation for the Africa cross-country championship next month.

The team will be handled Abdallah Muhammad as head coach assisted by Gordon Ahimbisibwe, Raphael Kasajja and Peter Wemale.
 

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