(11/12/2005)

Turin Marathon winner Beatrice Omwanza and unattached James Kipketer were victors at the fourth Athletics Kenya cross country meeting in the western Kenyan town of Kissi.

Omwanza, 31, who was sixth in the Tokyo International Women's Marathon last month, won the senior women's 4km event in 14 minutes and 9 seconds.

Road running veteran Jane Omoro finished second in 14 minutes and 22 seconds.

"I am in shape right now and busy preparing for the coming season," said Omwanza after the race.

James Kipketer won the senior men's 12km race in 36 minutes and 51 seconds.

The 28 year-old had last month won the AK weekend cross-country meeting in Nyahururu and was second at the Chepkoilel meeting in Eldoret two weeks ago.

Local star Elijah Nyabuti came home in close second in 36 minutes and 52 seconds, while Edward Muge was third in 37 minutes and 6 seconds.

Jones Cheruiyot won the senior men's 4km race in 11minutes, 38 seconds while Paul Koech settled for second place in five minutes later.