3,000M World Youth and Commonwealth Champion William Malel Sitonik was on Saturday crowned the National Junior Cross Country Champion at Uhuru Gardens in only his second attempt of doing course racing.
Malel cut the tape in a time of 23:07:5 to beat his closest rival Justine Cheruiyot to second place clocking 23:12:1. Cornelius Kangogo was third finishing in 23:20:00. The last lad to qualify was Japheth Korir in a time of 23:20:6.
He says that it was not difficult changing and now focuses his attention on a podium finish in South Africa.
“This was the second time I was running in cross country. I felt that my body had responded well and so I did not find it hard. I am now setting my eyes on winning a medal in South Africa in March. I am also preparing for the World Junior Championships later this year and I know I will perform well”, he said after the race.
In the Junior Women Category, World Champion Faith Kipyegon did not have a hard time as she finished in first place ahead of Agnes Jebet. Kipyegon clocked 19:50 in the six Kilometre race, finishing ahead of Jebet who clocked 19:57. Alice Arpot was third (20:00) while Nancy Chepkemoi finished off 4th to earn the last ticket to Cape Town in a time of 20:06
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