Experienced runner Justus Omete clocked 24:12.00 to win the inaugural Sameta Open cross country championships in Bobasi in Kisii over the weekend.

Omete was followed closely by Meshack Makendo, who clocked 24:25.00 while Gideon Omache came third in 24:27.00. Omete said he was using the event to prepare for the regional cross country meeting planned for Friday. "It was a good build-up race for me and I hope to be in the Nyanza South team for the national cross country trials," he said.

Damaris Ondieki won the women's junior race in 20:37.0 and was followed by Lydiah Onyinkwa in 20:45.1. Askah Thomas came third timed at 22:30.00 with Damaris Otieno (23:13.00) and Linet Ogembo (23:20.000 Winners received Sh5,000 while top runners in the elderly race received blankets. Momanyi asked locals to take athletics seriously as a career. He said he plans to establish a talent academy to nurture upcoming athletes.