Edwin Bett, Cynthia Chepkurui Crowned Champions as Betika Kericho Cross Country Draws Over 1,000 Athletes
Edwin Kiplangat Bett and Cynthia Chepkurui claimed the men’s and women’s titles at the fifth edition of the Betika Cross Country at Kericho Teachers’ Training College on Saturday, October 10, 2026, as the competition registered its biggest turnout to date. More than 1,000 athletes took part in the competition, which brought together emerging runners and established competitors for a day of fiercely contested races and cash prizes. The headline 10km races produced close finishes, with the men’s podium separated by fewer than four seconds. Bett won the men’s race in 29:21.9, holding off Wesley Kipkemoi, who clocked 29:23.2. Festus Kiprop took third place in 29:25.5. Bett said he had targeted a place among the top three but was delighted to claim victory against strong opposition. Edwin Kiplangat Bett crosses the finish line to win the men’s race. “I came into this race targeting a podium finish because I knew there would be strong competition. Winning is a great feeling, and I am happy with how the race went. I gave my best, and it is rewarding to come away with the title,” said Bett. The winner received KSh150,000, while Kipkemoi earned KSh100,000 and Kiprop collected KSh75,000. The close contest provided one of the day’s standout moments as runners fought for position all the way to the finishing line. Men’s podium: Edwin Bett, Wesley Kipkemoi and Festus Kiprop, with Betika representatives. Cynthia Chepkurui claims women’s crown Chepkurui won the women’s race in 33:01.6, finishing ahead of Emmaculate Jepkosgei, who recorded 33:06.2, and Brenda Jepchumba Kenei, who crossed the line in 33:06.7. The leading trio delivered an exciting contest, with the second- and third-place finishers separated by just half a second. The result adds to Chepkurui’s achievements in 2026 after her fourth-place finish in the women’s under-20 race at the World Athletics Cross Country Championships in Florida in January. She said the Kericho victory had strengthened her confidence ahead of the Athletics Kenya Cross Country Series. Athletes compete in the women’s race at the 2026 Betika Kericho Cross Country. “My target was to finish on the podium, so I am very happy to have won the race. It was a competitive field, and I am pleased with my performance. I will now work on my speed as I prepare for the Athletics Kenya Cross Country Series, where I hope to build on this result,” said Chepkurui. Chepkurui earned KSh150,000 for first place, while Jepkosgei received KSh100,000 and Kenei took home KSh75,000. Fourth-place finishers in the senior races earned KSh50,000, fifth-place athletes received KSh40,000, and runners finishing sixth to tenth each collected KSh20,000. Women’s podium: Cynthia Chepkurui, Emmaculate Jepkosgei and Brenda Jepchumba Kenei, with Betika representatives. Masters and relay races add to the action The event also featured Masters 50+ races. Rosaline David won the women’s category ahead of Joyce Kirui and Zeday Chepkoech. In the men’s Masters race, Henry Kibwogo took first place, followed by Johnstone Bett and Philip Kemei. Central Rift emerged victorious in the Mixed Relay and received KSh50,000, while Kiptere 1 finished second and earned KSh30,000. The organisers’ release gives conflicting names for the third-place relay team, listing Kiptere 3 in the results section but Kiptere 2 in the prize section. The third-place award was KSh20,000. Athletes compete during the men’s cross-country race in Kericho. Record turnout underlines event’s growth Betika Head of Brand Eric Mwiti welcomed the turnout, describing it as evidence of increasing interest in athletics and the value of creating competitive opportunities for runners. He said the company remained committed to supporting both grassroots talent and athletes seeking to advance to higher levels. “This year’s Betika Cross Country has recorded the largest turnout since the event began, which is a strong reflection of the interest in athletics and the value of creating platforms where athletes can compete, develop and showcase their talent. We are proud to see the event continue to grow and to play our part in supporting the sport at the grassroots and competitive levels,” Mwiti said. Mwiti added that Betika’s partnership with Athletics Kenya was entering its second year, with the organisation focused on creating opportunities for athletes as Kenya looks towards the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. He also congratulated Kenya on securing the right to host the 2029 World Athletics Championships in Nairobi, describing the milestone as a significant achievement for the country and African athletics. With a record field, closely contested races and substantial rewards, the fifth edition of the Betika Kericho Cross Country strengthened its standing as a platform for runners seeking recognition and competitive experience. For Bett and Chepkurui, the victories delivered both prize money and momentum for the competitions ahead. SEO tags: Betika Cross Country 2026, Edwin Kiplangat Bett, Cynthia Chepkurui, Kericho Cross Country, Wesley Kipkemoi, Emmaculate Jepkosgei, Brenda Jepchumba Kenei, Eric Mwiti, Athletics Kenya