Fredrick Chebii, Emmaculate Jepkosgei win in Athletics Kenya Cross Country series opener

Fredrick Chebii and Emmaculate Jepkosgei claimed the senior titles at the opening meeting of the 2026/27 Athletics Kenya Cross Country Series in Machakos on Saturday, with both athletes finishing more than half a minute ahead of their closest challengers.

Chebii won the men’s 10km race in 29:55.8, finishing 37.9 seconds ahead of Kenneth Lagat, who clocked 30:33.7, while Peter Mutie finished third in 30:35.3. The win came after Chebii stepped away from competition to focus on his studies. He is now looking to use the cross-country circuit to prepare for road races and track events.

“I took a short break to go back to school, but I am now back and targeting a great season. I believe cross country will help me build my endurance before I shift focus to road races and track,” he told Athletics Kenya.

Jepkosgei won the women’s 10km in 33:46.7, beating Betty Chelangat, who finished in 34:32.6. Miriam Kibet of Lemotit Camp placed third in 34:44.1. The victory followed a runner-up finish at the Betika Cross Country meeting in Kericho earlier this month. According to Jepkosgei, the hot conditions in Machakos made the race difficult, but she was determined to leave with the win.

“I came here to redeem myself after finishing second at the Betika Cross Country in Kericho, and I am happy I managed to achieve that. The race was very tough because of the heat, but I had to push myself and take the win because that’s what I came here for. I am very happy,” she said.

The meeting also featured four junior races, with Faith Rono of Lemotit Camp winning the Under-18 girls’ 4km in 13:42.20. Jeska Lowatop of Magnolia Athletics Camp finished second in 14:06.50, followed by teammate Loveline Sintoyia in 14:07.40.

South Rift’s Jairus Byegon took the Under-18 boys’ 6km title in 18:29.0, while Lemotit Camp’s Cynthia Chepkurui won the Under-20 women’s 6km in 20:20.4. Edwin Sanutia of Western completed the junior winners’ list by taking the Under-20 men’s 8km in 24:01.7.