Chepkurui was in commanding form at the fifth edition of the Betika Cross Country, held at the Kericho Teachers’ Training College, where she sliced through the tape in 33:02 to clinch the women’s 10km title.
The youngster held off Emmaculate Jepkosgei, who clocked 33:06, as Brenda Jepchumba Kenei was third in 33:07. Chepkurui admitted she didn’t expect to win in Kericho, saying her initial target was to secure a podium finish.
“My target was to finish on the podium, so I am very happy to have won the race,” she said.
The youngster was equally pleased with the quality of competition she faced, noting that the strong field had pushed her to deliver an impressive performance.
“It was a competitive field, and I am pleased with my performance,” she added.
Buoyed by her triumph in Kericho, Chepkurui believes she is in good shape to launch an assault on the AK Cross Country Series, beginning with the opening meeting in Machakos later this month.
She is now looking to sharpen her speed as she prepares to take on a competitive circuit.
“I will now work on my speed as I prepare for the Athletics Kenya Cross Country Series, where I hope to build on this result,” Chepkurui said.
The victory capped an eventful 2026 season for Chepkurui, who has tested herself against some of the best athletes on the international stage in both cross country and track competition.
She opened her season at the World Cross Country Championships in Tallahassee, Florida, on January 10, narrowly missing out on a global podium finish after placing fourth in the women’s U20 race in 19:22.
Chepkurui subsequently switched her focus to the track, competing in the 5,000m at the Addis Ababa Grand Prix on April 18, where she finished ninth in 16:56.98.
She continued to make strides on the track on May 27, securing second place in the 5,000m at the National Police Service Track and Field Championships after clocking 15:36.24.
The youngster then made her Diamond League debut in Doha on June 19, where she lined up in the 5,000m and finished eighth in 15:06.48.
However, another opportunity to reach the global podium slipped away at the World U20 Championships in Eugene, Oregon, on August 5, where Chepkurui finished fourth in the 5,000m in 15:14.86.
Elsewhere, Edwin Bett won the men’s 10km race in Kericho, powering to victory in 29:22. Bett narrowly edged Wesley Kipkemoi to second place in 29:23, while Festus Kiprop completed the podium in 29:26.
Like Chepkurui, Bett arrived at the race targeting a podium finish but was delighted to win the title after navigating a competitive field.
“I came into this race targeting a podium finish because I knew there would be strong competition. Winning is a great feeling, and I am happy with how the race went. I gave my best, and it is rewarding to come away with the title,” said Bett.
For their respective triumphs, Chepkurui and Bett each pocketed Sh150,000.
Speaking after the event, Betika Head of Brand Eric Mwiti said the company’s continued partnership with Athletics Kenya reflected its long-term commitment to developing athletics in the country. The agreement is now entering its second year as Kenyan athletes look ahead to the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
“Our partnership with Athletics Kenya is an important part of our commitment to the sport, and as we enter the second year of the agreement, we remain focused on supporting athletes and strengthening the structures that help them progress. With the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games on the horizon, sustained investment and opportunities for competition will be important in helping Kenyan athletes prepare for the challenges ahead,” he said.
