(29/01/2006)

Kenya's two-time world half-marathon silver medallist, Susan Chepkemei raced to a convincing victory at the annual Inter-Provincial Kenyan Prisons Cross Country Championships at Ruiru yesterday.

Chepkemei withstood the searing heat in the small Kenya town, leading from start to finish and leaving her nearest rival Caroline Kwambai miles behind.

The 30-year-old romped home in a time of 27 minutes and 36 seconds.

Kwambai was second in 28 minutes and 23 seconds while former Boston, London and New York City Marathons winner Margaret Okayo was third in 28 minutes and 49 seconds.

Three-time world cross country 4km champion Edith Masai, 2005 winner of the Hamburg Marathon, was fourth in 28 minutes and 58 seconds.

Pre-race favourite Selina Kosgei, who won the Paris Marathon in 2004, was surprisingly beaten to third place in the 4km race in 14 minutes and 30 seconds behind winner Sylvia Chebiwott.

Little-known Sylvia Chebiwott came home in 13 minutes and 56 seconds and Rachael Kirwa was second in 14 minutes and 37 seconds.