Maurine Jepkoech, one of Kenya’s top cross-country athletes, is poised to headline the senior women’s 10km race at the fourth leg of the Athletics Kenya/Betika Cross Country Series in Bomet this Saturday. After claiming victories in the first two legs, she is chasing her third win in the series, cementing her dominance in the ongoing competition.
Jepkoech’s Stellar Performance So Far
Jepkoech started her campaign with an impressive win at the Machakos opener on October 19, clocking 36:22.9 to edge out Christine Njoki (36:32.2) and Esther Chemtai (37:13.7). She followed it up with another strong performance at the Kapsokwony leg on October 26, where she finished in 34:05.87, beating Catherine Reline (34:07.77) and Delvine Meringor (34:38.54).
Despite skipping the third leg in Iten, which saw Cynthia Chepng’eno (34:27.4) claim victory, Jepkoech remains focused and determined to reclaim her top spot in Bomet.
Event Details and Preparations
The race will take place at the Bomet Airstrip, renowned for its flat and fast course, which offers athletes an excellent opportunity to test their speed. According to John Kimetto, an Athletics Kenya (AK) executive member and veteran coach, preparations are nearly complete.
“Preparations are going on well, and we are in the final stages. The course is in excellent condition and will be taped on Friday to ensure readiness,” said Kimetto.
Over 500 athletes are expected to compete, making the event a showcase of talent. Bomet, known for producing stars like Beatrice Chepkoech, Agnes Ngetich, and John Korir, is set to host another thrilling chapter in the cross-country series.
Race Schedule
The program features various races:
- 6km (Under-20 Women): Starts at 9:00 AM
- 8km (Under-20 Men): Starts at 9:50 AM
- 2km Women’s Loop: Starts at 10:40 AM
- 10km Women’s Race: Starts at 11:00 AM
- 2km Men’s Loop: Starts at 11:50 AM
- 10km Men’s Race: Starts at 12:10 PM
Athletes must collect their bibs in person on Friday at the AGC Town Church in Bomet.
Prize Money
The event promises attractive rewards for top performers:
- Elite 10km Race:
- 1st Place: Sh50,000
- 2nd Place: Sh40,000
- 3rd Place: Sh20,000
- Under-20 Races:
- 1st Place: Sh30,000
- 2nd Place: Sh20,000
- 3rd Place: Sh15,000
- 2km Loop:
- 1st Place: Sh10,000
- 2nd Place: Sh7,000
- 3rd Place: Sh5,000
Flat Course Advantage
“The flat course at the Bomet Airstrip provides a perfect opportunity for athletes to gauge their speed and for coaches to evaluate their athletes as we approach the 2025 season,” added Kimetto.
Fans are encouraged to turn up in large numbers to cheer on the athletes in what promises to be a thrilling day of competition.
