Cross country: Kibathi leads Kenya's quest to retain junior crown
Samuel Kibathi crosses the finishing line to win the Under-20 men's 8km race during the Lotto National Cross Country Championships at the Kenya Prisons Staff Training College, Ruiru, Kiambu on January 21, 2023.
During last year's edition in Bathurst, Australia, Ismael Kipkirui romped to victory in the 8km race after timing 24:29 ahead of compatriot Reynold Cheruiyot, who clocked 24:30
Kipkirui has shifted to the senior category leaving the gap for a new champion to be crowned on Saturday
National champion Kibathi has set his sights on the prize, though he warned they have their work cut out to ensure they retain the title
Kenya will be under pressure to defend their men's junior title at this year's World Cross Country Championships slated for Saturday in Belgrade, Serbia.
During last year's edition in Bathurst, Australia, Ismael Kipkirui romped to victory in the 8km race after timing 24:29 ahead of compatriot Reynold Cheruiyot, who clocked 24:30 and Ethiopia’s Boki Diriba who finished third in 24:31. Kipkirui has shifted to the senior category leaving the gap for a new champion to be crowned on Saturday.
