Naema Celestine 
BY WANJALA DERRICK
The Ngong Race Course grounds in Nairobi hosted the second edition of the ISF World School Cross Country Championship, which was won handily by Team Kenya on Sunday.
Kenya swept the podium in all three categories of races, with the exception of the boy’s U-12, where Uganda’s Caleb Kibet took home the bronze.
In the Under-18 division, Phanuel Kipkosgei and Diana Chepkemoi won in the boys’ and girls’ categories, respectively, with times of 14:40 and 13:38.
Chepkemoi, who dominated the 5.1 km race from the gun to the finish line, is inspired to keep getting better after Sunday’s performance.
“I’m encouraged; let me to give thanks to God for this excellent work. I am also grateful to my coach, Mr. Paul Kemei, who worked very hard to help me secure this first place. Resilience, hard effort, and dedication are the keys to this accomplishment. My goal is to place in the under-20 3000m steeplechase category. The youthful athlete from Kericho, “I hope for the best,” stated Chepkemoi.
Within the same division, Nelson Simiren and Dorcas Chepkwemoi secured podium positions, and Kelvin Kiprop and Mary Nyaboke took home silver.
Jane Wangare won the 3.4 km girls’ race in the under-15 division with a time of 7:42, besting Faith Jeptum and Claire Cheruto, who took home silver and bronze, respectively.
Lemuryon expressed optimism for a positive outcome by attributing his victory to his good form and lack of injuries.
Before the competition, I felt uncertain. Since I wasn’t hurt, I thought this was my chance to shine. I’m happy that this occurred, and I know I can perform even better in the future. This is only the beginning.
Ezron Kimurgor won the 1.2-kilometer race in the under-12 division with a timing of 3:49, better than that of his countryman Benjamin Shikuku, who finished in 3:52.
At 3:54, Caleb Kibet cut the tape and grabbed bronze. In the girls’ division, Sheila Chepkosgei won in 3:59, closely followed by Belinda Chepkorir in 4:01, and Dorcas Chelangat rounding out the podium in 4:04.
President William Ruto was among the dignitaries in attendance. He praised the competitors and mentioned that the championship was crucial in developing young athletes’ abilities.
“We would like to congratulate all of our kids and the attendees for today. This championship fosters and supports talent, but it also strengthens our bonds with one another and our shared love of variety.
The place to be is Kenya. Being the hosts of this event is an honor. We anticipate more. Ruto said, “The entire world has come together to celebrate our talents.”
More than 400 students from more than 20 nations attended the event.
COLLATED OPENINGS
CLASSIFICATION UNDER 12
Girls
1. 3:59 seconds, Sheila Jepkosgei Tarus
2. 4:01 seconds, Belinda Chepkorir
3. Dorcas Chelangat; duration: 4:04
Boys
Ezron Kimurgor, first, 3:49
Benjamin Shikuku, second, 3:52
3. Kibet Caleb (Uganda) 3:54 seconds
CATEGORY UNDER 15
Girls
1. Wangare Jane (7:42)
2.FAITH JEPTUM 7:43
3. 7:44 Claire Cheruto
Boys
1. Lumuryon Peter (10:19)
2. Tipap Benson 10:25
3. 10:35 Dan Kibet
CATEGORIES UNDER 18
Girls
1. 13:48 Diana Chepkemoi
2. Nyaboke Mary 13:52
3. 13:54 Dorcus Chepkwemoi
Boys
1. 14:40 Phanuel Kipkosgei
2. 14:44 Kevin Kiprop
3. Simiren, Nelson 14:5
