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Eldoret, Kenya - Nineteen-year old boy, Simon Kiptum is the new Rift Valley
Province High schools 10,000 metres champion.
Kiptum, a form four student at Sikinwa secondary school of Trans Nzoia ran a
tactical race clocking 30:10.6 beating 32 other athletes in the first day of
the provincial championships held at the Kipchoge Keino stadium, Eldoret.
Though Trans Nzoia is not known to produce world stars, the student who
takes world Marathon record holder Paul Tergat to be his mentor said he only
trains twice a week in his home area that borders Mt Elgon district, the home
of such great runners as Ben Jipcho.
His time achieved at high altitude was hailed by a coach David Letting and
the athlete’s game teacher Robert Kimutai as a good sign of things to
come from the area.
The race that was ran under clear sky and hot sun saw the top four runners
cross the line under 31 minutes.
Edwin Korir from Keiyo district was second in 30:19.9 after managing to
shrug off a challenge by Daniel Selelo from Narok district who clocked
30:21.6.
Ernest Kebenei of Nandi North district was fourth in 30:46.9. Others were
Chebon Kipkemoi (Keiyo) 31:05.1, Philemon Terer (Bomet) 31:05.6, Daniel Kirwa
(Uasin Gishu) 31:12.8 and Joseph Lagat (Nandi North) 31:14.0 who finished in
that order for fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth positions.
In the 5000 metres for girls, former World Cross Country junior champion
Vivian Cheruiyot who is a student at Sing’ore Girls in Keiyo district,
showed improved signs of return to high level competition when she won in
16:24.4.
She beat World youth 3000 metres silver medallist Pascaline Chepkorir of
Olenguruon secondary, Nakuru district who clocked 16:37.2 while another former
junior World Cross Country champion Fridah Domongole of Marakwet secondary,
Marakwet district, finished third in 16:55.8.