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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.