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IAAF.org: A future star is born - Rift Valley High School Championships

The race that was ran under clear sky

2004-05-29

Eldoret, Kenya - Nineteen-year old boy, Simon Kiptum is the new Rift Valley Province High schools 10,000 metres champion.

Kiptum, a form four student at Sikinwa secondary school of Trans Nzoia ran a tactical race clocking 30:10.6 beating 32 other athletes in the first day of the provincial championships held at the Kipchoge Keino stadium, Eldoret.

Though Trans Nzoia is not known to produce world stars, the student who takes world Marathon record holder Paul Tergat to be his mentor said he only trains twice a week in his home area that borders Mt Elgon district, the home of such great runners as Ben Jipcho.

His time achieved at high altitude was hailed by a coach David Letting and the athlete’s game teacher Robert Kimutai as a good sign of things to come from the area.

The race that was ran under clear sky and hot sun saw the top four runners cross the line under 31 minutes.

Edwin Korir from Keiyo district was second in 30:19.9 after managing to shrug off a challenge by Daniel Selelo from Narok district who clocked 30:21.6.

Ernest Kebenei of Nandi North district was fourth in 30:46.9. Others were Chebon Kipkemoi (Keiyo) 31:05.1, Philemon Terer (Bomet) 31:05.6, Daniel Kirwa (Uasin Gishu) 31:12.8 and Joseph Lagat (Nandi North) 31:14.0 who finished in that order for fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth positions.

In the 5000 metres for girls, former World Cross Country junior champion Vivian Cheruiyot who is a student at Sing’ore Girls in Keiyo district, showed improved signs of return to high level competition when she won in 16:24.4.