The 44th edition of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Cross Country Championships was held today, Friday, January 10, 2025, at the Ulinzi Sports Complex in Lang’ata. The event brought together teams from various regions, including Lanet, Nanyuki, Modika, Marsabit, Lodwar, Isiolo, Embakasi, Mtongwe, Manda, Thika, and Nairobi. Participants competed in the men’s and women’s 10km races as well as the mixed relay, showcasing remarkable athletic talent and determination.
In a commanding display, Gunner Diana Chepkorir emerged victorious in the women’s 10km race, crossing the finish line in an impressive 33:14.0. Cpl Joyce Chepkemoi from Laikipia Air Base clinched second place with a time of 33:16.0, while Sgt Joyceline Jepkoskei of Modika secured third.
Sgt Kandie Kibiwot, the World Half Marathon Championship silver medalist, lived up to his reputation by winning the men’s 10km race with a time of 29:24.8. Spte Wisley Yego of Wajir Air Base came in second at 29:28.7, followed by Cpl Wilson Too of Kahawa Garrison in third place, clocking 29:47.7.
The Nanyuki team showcased unmatched speed and teamwork to claim victory in the 4x2km mixed relay, leaving Embakasi and Moi Air Base in second and third positions, respectively.
Embakasi Garrison emerged as the overall champions, with Mtongwe and Lanet Barracks securing second and third places, respectively.
In his remarks, Vice Chief of the Defence Forces (VCDF) Lt Gen John Omenda, representing Chief of the Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri, congratulated the winning teams and their trainers, urging other teams to train harder for future competitions. He highlighted the importance of ethical practices in sports, emphasizing fair play, respect, and integrity. Lt Gen Omenda reiterated the championship’s core objectives of fostering esprit de corps, self-discipline, and promoting a healthy lifestyle, all critical to mission readiness.
KDF Sports Control Board Chair and Assistant Chief of Defence Forces Personnel and Logistics, Maj Gen David Keter, expressed gratitude to the Defence Forces leadership and Cooperative Bank of Kenya for their unwavering support. He pledged continued investment in training coaches, officials, and athletes to ensure excellence in sporting disciplines.
The KDF Cross Country Championship serves as a platform for units and formations to promote sportsmanship, enhance comradeship, and select teams for national events. The selected athletes will represent KDF at the Athletics Kenya National Championships, scheduled for February 8, 2025, at Eldoret Sports Club.
The event was graced by senior KDF leadership, including Commander Kenya Army, Lt Gen David Tarus, Commander Kenya Air Force Maj Gen Fatma Ahmed, Deputy Commander Kenya Navy, Brig Sankale Kiswaa, Deputy Army Commander Maj Gen Mohamed Noor Hassan, and other high-ranking officers. Also present were Brig Martin Lenamunai, Chairperson of the Athletics Kenya Defence Forces, Lt Col Paul Tergat, President of the National Olympics Committee of Kenya, Co-op Bank Head of Retail Banking Ms. Lena Yego, senior officers, officers, service members and dignitaries.
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