Senior Private Winnie Boinet has clutched her maiden title of 10-kilometre women’s race win, during the 43rd edition of the Kenya Defence Forces Cross Country Championships held at the Ulinzi Sports Complex – Langata.
Senior Private Boinet representing Isiolo clocked 33 Minutes and 25.08 seconds and conquered a rich field to claim her 1st KDF championship title. Following closely was Senior Private Cynthia Chepngeno who came second in 33:26.02 as Embakasi’s Gunner Diana Chepkorir wrapped up the last podium in 33:42.05.

The men’s race saw Lance Corporal Peter Mwaniki claim victory in a whooping 29:51:6, edging out the World Half Marathon Championship Silver Medallist, Bombardier Kandie Kibiwot, who came in fifth in 29:59:4. Lance Corporal Dismus Lokira came in second in 29:54:0 as Senior Private Daniel Mungut finished third in 29:56:3.

In the 4 by 2 (2 kilometers) mixed relay (Universal race) Nanyuki team, led from the gun to tape to bag the title and was closely followed by Kahawa and Thika in second and third places respectively. The first team overall crown was taken by Kahawa, followed by Isiolo while Nanyuki settled for the third position.
Presiding over the event was Chief of the Defence Forces, General Francis Ogolla who congratulated the winning teams at both individual and team levels for their exemplary performance and appreciated all teams and their trainers for their unwavering effort in flying the KDF flag high.

Gen Ogolla encouraged the rest not to give up but rather train harder for future competitions. He assured them of KDF’s continued support in ensuring all talents were fully nurtured.

The CDF reminded the athletes of the noble objective of sports within the KDF; which is to foster esprit de corps, and self-discipline as well as to promote a healthy lifestyle, which is central to achieving mission readiness. “I urge you to actively participate in clean sports and refrain from all illegal activities such as doping as this will affect your overall performance.” Gen Ogolla said.

KDF Sports Control Board Chairperson and Assistant Chief of the Defence Forces in charge of Personnel and Logistics Major General David Keter expressed deep appreciation to the participating teams for their dedication to making the day a success. He gave an assurance of the sports control board’s commitment to fostering sports activities, particularly in training coaches and officials. He also promised to give sporting discipline the requisite exposure and specialized training.
The competition brought together over 200 athletes from 17 teams across the three Services.

The Athletics Kenya Defence Forces Championship is an annual event where formations and units present their teams to showcase sportsmanship, enhance comradeship within the KDF fraternity, and select teams that will participate in the Athletics Kenya National Championships.

This year’s national athletics championship is slated for 9th March 2024 at Kenya Prisons Training College in Ruiru, which will later culminate in the World Cross Country championship in Serbia.