Kericho, Kenya – 7th October 2026: Mathew Kipkoech will return to the Kericho Teachers Training
College course looking to go one better than his third-place finish last year when the fifth edition of
the Betika Cross Country gets underway this Saturday, October 10, as athletes battle for a share of
more than KES1.1M up for grabs.
Kipkoech was among the leading protagonists in last year’s Senior Men’s 10km race, finishing
third in 29:47.88 behind winner Victor Kimosop and Charles Kakuri. Twelve months later, he
returns to Kericho with an impressive run of form and added experience, making him one of the
leading contenders for this year’s title.
The 21-year-old finished third in the men’s 10,000m at the 2026 Betika BingwaFest National
Finals in Meru, clocking 29:09.8
“I know what Kericho feels like and I know what it takes to compete on this course. Last year I
finished third, so this time I want to come back stronger and fight for the win. The preparation
has been good and I am looking forward to the race,” said Kipkoech.
The Senior Women’s 10km race will also carry a strong sense of unfinished business, with two
members of last year’s podium returning alongside some of the country’s leading distance
runners.
Abigael Chepkoech and Diana Chepkemoi, who finished second and third respectively in last
year’s race, are both in the entry list and will be seeking to improve on their previous
performances.
Chepkoech clocked 33:54.73 to finish runner-up to Caren Chebet last year, while Chepkemoi
completed the podium in 34:13.85.
They will face a formidable challenge from Maurine Jepkoech Chebor and Brenda Jepchumba
Kenei, among others. Chebor comes into Kericho fresh from an outstanding year that has
included a successful defence of her Betika BingwaFest National Finals 10,000m title in Meru.
She clocked 32:17.2 at Kinoru Stadium to win the race, retaining the title she had won during
the inaugural edition.Betika is licensed and regulated by the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB). Gambling may
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Speaking ahead of the showdown on Saturday, Betika Head of Brand Eric Mwiti said: “Last
year’s race showed us just how much talent and competitive spirit exists within the running
community in Kericho and across the country. This year, we are bringing together another
strong field, including athletes who have already competed at the highest level and emerging
runners looking to make their mark using such a platform. We are excited to see how this year’s
athletes respond to the challenge and look forward to another memorable day in Kericho.”
This year, the Kericho event will feature Senior Men’s and Women’s 10km races, a Mixed Relay
and a Masters 50+ competition. Winners in the Senior Men’s and Women’s 10km will take
home KES 150,000 each, while runners-up will receive KES 100,000 and third-place finishers KES
75,000. Fourth place will earn KES 50,000, fifth KSh40,000, while athletes finishing sixth to 10th
will each receive KES 20,000.
The Mixed Relay winners will take home KES 50,000, with KES 30,000 and KES 20,000 going to
the second- and third-placed teams respectively. In the Masters 50+ category, the top six
finishers will each receive KES 10,000.
Athletes are expected to collect their race bibs on Friday, October 9, ahead of race day on
Saturday, October 10. The races guns off at 8:00am.
-Ends
Betika is licensed and regulated by the Betting Control and Licensing Board (BCLB). Gambling may
be addictive. Play responsibly. 18+ only.
