Women participants of the 39th edition of the Kenya Defence Forces Athletics Cross Country Championship battles it out for the championship title.

The Kenya Defence Forces held its 39th Edition of Cross Country at Engineers Brigade Headquarters, Thika Barracks on Friday, 24 January 2020.

Corporal Joyce Chepkemoi from Laikipia Air Base (LAB) sprinted away from her challenger in the last 2km of the 10km race to win in 32:07:02, ahead of Senior Private Dorcas Kimeli from Moi Air Base (MAB) with a time of 33:08:12 minutes, while Corporal Joysline Chepkosgei the World Half marathon champion from Modika Barracks came third in a time of 33:10:06 minutes.

The 10km men’s race saw several athletes compete neck to neck all through the course where Gunner Kibiwot Kandie of Embakasi asserted his dominance as he defended his 10 kilometers men’s race title with a time of 28:59:55 minutes. Senior private Alfred Mbarkachi from Moi Air Base came second with a time of 29:04:47 minutes, with Artillery Brigade’s Gunner Phenus Kipleting coming third position in a time of 29:11:96 minutes.

In his speech, the Chief of Defence Forces General Samson Mwathethe congratulated the winning teams and highlighted that Kenya Defence Forces will be hosting the 75th CISM General Assembly and Congress to be held in May this year.

“As we have witnessed today, our athletes have demonstrated a high standard performance and spirit of sportsmanship. I therefore wish to congratulate the winning team, and for those who could not script victory on this, you should not be disappointed but rather analyze your performance and improve in future. There is always a next time,” said the CDF.

KDF Sports Control Board Chair and Assistant Chief of Defence Forces Personnel and Logistics Major General Fatuma Ahmed congratulated the KDF Athletics for continuing to perform well and earning the country pride and glory.

In attendance were the Vice Chief of Defence Forces Lieutenant General Robert Kibochi, Commander Kenya Army Lieutenant General Walter Raria, Commander Kenya Air Force Major General Francis Ogolla, Retired Generals, Senior Officers, Officials from KDF Athletics, Athletics Kenya officials among other invited guests.

Gunner Kibiwot Kandie of Artillery Brigade celebrates his victory after retaining mens’ Kenya Defence Forces Athletics Cross Country championship title.

Participants of the 39th edition of the Kenya Defence Forces Athletics Cross Country Championship compete for the mens’ championship title. The championship attracted a total of 13 teams.

Senior Private Joyce Chepkemoi of Laikipia Airbase receives a medal from the Chief of Defence Forces General Samson Mwathethe after scooping position one in the women’s 10km Cross Country championship.

Commanding Officer Headquarter wing Moi Airbase Lieutenant Colonel Frank Otiso receives the overall winners’ trophy from the Chief of Defence Forces General Samson Mwathethe.