Loice Chemining made a triumphant post-maternity comeback, winning the Prisons Cross Country 10km race and defeating a strong field, including Ruth Chepng’etich.
Loice Chemining came back from maternity and obliterated a strong field to claim the senior women’s 10km race at the Prisons Cross Country Championships held at the Ruiru prison staff training college on Saturday, January 18.
Chemining last won the title in 2019 and then took a break from running to start a family and she has since returned with a bang. In the race, she held onto the leading pack that had newly-crowned world marathon record holder Ruth Chepng’etich and Olympian Lilian Odira.
After the first lap, Loice Chemining took charge and did not look back, cruising steadily to the finish line and clocking an impressive 33:09 to cross the finish line.
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Elaine Thompson-Herah remains a symbol of resilience, dominating sprints despite injuries, with a stellar career marked by Olympics glory, historic times, and unwavering dedication.
Brillian Chepkorir and Lilian Odira came in second and third, clocking respective times of 33:27 and 33:44. Ruth Chepng’etich crossed the finish fourth, clocking an impressive 33:51.
She was thrilled to have won the race, revealing that her next assignment will be pacing at the Osaka Marathon scheduled for next Sunday, January 26. She is guaranteed a hefty pay check since the women-only marathon is one of the highest-paying marathons in the world.
“First, I want to thank God because I was not expecting to win but I thank God. The training has been okay and I decided to try my best and things worked out well for me. In 2019, I was working here and I won then took a maternity break and I have returned very strong,” Chemining said.
“Next Sunday I will be in Osaka pacing and then after that I will compete at the National Cross country and then I will try and do my best. I will not be switching to the marathon anytime soon, maybe in 2027.”
She is also focusing on representing Kenya at the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan and is aware of the tough opposition awaiting her at the trials where she intends to contest the 5000m.
The likes of Faith Kipyegon, Beatrice Chebet and Lilian Kasait will be in the mix at the trials and Chemining knows she has to work hard if she has to make it to the team.
“The World Championships will be coming and I’m not sure whether I will be competing there but I will give my best shot to make the team,” she added.
