Former half marathon world record holder Kibiwot Kandie and Diana Chepkorir, both from Embakasi, are the winners of the 44th edition of the Kenya Defence Forces Cross Country Championships held today at the Ulinzi Sports Complex.
Sergeant Kandie, who reclaimed the title he lost last year, led from gun to tape to stop the clock in the 10 km race in 29 minutes 24.8 seconds to bag his 5th KDF cross-country win.
Wilsey Yego of Laikipia Airbase finished 2nd in 29 minutes 28.7 seconds, ahead of Wilson Too of Kahawa, who came home 3rd in 29 minutes 47.7 seconds.
Kandie will now switch to the marathon, where he is set to debut at the Seoul Marathon in March this year.
Fresh from winning the 6th cross-country series in Kisii last weekend, Diana Chepkorir outsprinted Joyce Chepkemoi to claim her first title in 33 minutes and 14 seconds, which was a great improvement from her third finish last year.
Chepkemoi of Laikipia Airbase finished second in 33 minutes 16.4 seconds to relegate former London and New York City marathon champion Joyceline Jepkosgei to third position in 33 minutes 27.2 seconds.
The one-day championship, which brought together 17 KDF teams, was used to select a team that will represent the forces at the national cross-country championship set for the 8th of next month in Eldoret.
