Aprot looks to defend AK title in Kapsokwony
Ericson Kiprono
World Cross Country silver medallist Alice Aprot is going for nothing short of victory in the fourth leg of Athletics Kenya Cross Country Series in Kapsokwony on Saturday.
Aprot, the 2016 Africa Cross Country champion, finished fourth in last years third leg of the cross country series held in the same venue and finished eight at the trials for this year’s African Games in July as she struggled with a groin injury earlier this year that hampered her quest of making the team for the World Cross Country championships.
Kenya Prisons coach Gedion Chirchir said Aprot is part of the Prisons team set to rock Kapsokwony. Aprot, a native of Mount Elgon, will team up with Catherine Syokau and Nancy Nzisa in the women’s 10km.
The 2016 Africa 10,000m champion Wilfred Kimitei,, will try his luck in men’s 10km race. Kimitei will team up with Joash Kiplimo and Boaz Kiprugut in Prisons team.
Favourite Kimitei will face a strong field that include Team Kenya captain for the 2017 World Cross Country Championships in Kampala, Leonard Komon, who will be out to post good results at home.
Komon, who hold the world record in 10km road race, won silver medal in junior race at the 2006 World Cross Country and another silver as a senior in 2008.
Other contenders in the women category are Daisy Jepkemei and Kericho-based Sheila Chelangat. Jepkemei last year’s winner clocked 34:52.7 to win the senior women’s 10km Sheila Chelangat finished second in 35:25.0 while Beatrice Chepkemei completed the podium in 35:34.
