Lorna Cherono and Frankline Chebet emerged victorious in the Athletics Kenya Inter-Camps Cross Country Competition, held yesterday at Kamoi Secondary School in Elgeyo Marakwet County. The event marked the conclusion of the junior athletics camp season, with Athletics Kenya’s Director of Youth Development, Barnaba Korir, officially closing all 54 camps nationwide ahead of the holiday season.
Top Performances in the Women’s and Men’s Categories
6km Women’s Under-20 Race:
Lorna Cherono (Chewoyet Camp) claimed the title with a time of 19:49.2, overcoming recent chest pains that disrupted her training.
Ruth Cherop (Kaptama Camp) and Sylvia Chemngetich (Kamoi Camp) secured second and third positions, clocking 21:00.1 and 21:14.6, respectively.
Cherono, who trains under coach Edward Moti, expressed gratitude for her win:
“This victory was unexpected, as I’ve been recovering from illness. It motivates me to keep training. I hope more camps are set up to nurture talent as I’ve benefited from this one.”
8km Men’s Under-20 Race:
Frankline Chebet (Kamoi Camp) thrilled the home crowd by winning in 23:42.2.
Anthony Kibiwott (Kaptama Camp), East Africa Schools 5,000m silver medalist, finished second in 23:48.7 after a last-minute fall cost him the lead.
Melvine Lemaiyan (Chewoyet Camp) secured third with a time of 24:06.5.
Lemaiyan highlighted the lack of support in his home county, Samburu:
“This podium finish is my first, and it’s thanks to this camp. Samburu lacks training camps, and young athletes miss opportunities to develop their talent.”
Barnaba Korir, in his closing remarks, praised the transformative effect of the youth camps:
“The camps have sparked immense interest in athletics across communities. We’ve witnessed remarkable growth, with athletes transitioning to senior ranks and representing Kenya internationally. This initiative lays the groundwork for future competitions like the 2026 Youth Olympic Games and the 2028 Olympic Games.”
Korir highlighted the camps’ broader community impact, noting that proceeds and resources from the camps often support local schools, provide scholarships for needy children, and improve facilities.
“What began as a federation-led initiative is now a community-driven effort, with parents, schools, and local leaders contributing to its success,” he added.
Selected Results
2km Women’s Race
Marion Cherotich (Kamoi) – 6:39.7
Sharon Chepkorir (Kamoi) – 6:44.6
Ann Chebet (Endebes) – 6:45.7
2km Men’s Race
Abel Masai (Kamoi) – 5:47.5
Shadrack Kwemoi (Kamoi) – 5:51.6
Abel Kibet (Kaptama) – 5:53.1
6km Women’s Race
Lorna Cherono (Chewoyet) – 19:49.2
Ruth Cherop (Kaptama) – 21:00.1
Sylvia Chemngetich (Kamoi) – 21:14.6
8km Men’s Race
Frankline Chebet (Kamoi) – 23:42.2
Anthony Kibiwott (Kaptama) – 23:48.7
Melvine Lemaiyan (Chewoyet) – 24:06.5
Looking Ahead
The conclusion of the inter-camps competition signals a brief pause in activities, but the momentum gained will undoubtedly carry forward as Kenya’s young athletes prepare for upcoming national and international challenges. With initiatives like the Athletics Kenya youth camps, the future of Kenyan athletics continues to shine brightly.
