Former Boston Half Marathon champion Brilliant Jepkorir made a major comeback from maternity leave to win this year's edition of  National Cross Country Championships held at the Eldoret Sports Club on Saturday.

Jepkorir who was representing the Kenya Prisons produced brilliant performance in the senior women’s 10km  race which was run under hot weather conditions.

The half marathon specialist, who had finished fourth at the Al Sharqiyah International 21km in December, took the senior women’s honours in a mouthwatering finish.

Maurine Jepkoech came in second while Commonwealth 10,000m silver medallist Stacy Ndiwa settled for the third position.

"I have come from maternity leave and I’m happy to be back. The race was part of my preparations for a half marathon, which will be confirmed by my management,” said an elated Jepkorir.

She won in a time of 34:29.1, while Jepkoech (North Rift) and Ndiwa (National Police Service) stopped the timer in 32:32.7 and 34:54 respectively.

Former London Marathon champion Joyciline Jepkosgei finished fourth after running the last two laps without one shoe in the 10km distance.

In the men's category, world 10,000m silver medalist Daniel Simiu Ebenyo continued his Cross Country dominance after posting a time of 30:40.0.

Ebenyo overpowered race favourite Kibiwott Kandie on the hilly sections, taking control with one kilometre to go.

In his signature style, he began celebrating and waving to the audience before crossing the finish line.

Kandie, known for his remarkable half-marathon record of 57:32, was unable to match Ebenyo’s strength on the tough terrain and came in at position six(6).

Nickson Kosgei finished second in 30:52:6 with Simon Ngatha Mungai completing the podium in 30:58:7.

Reflecting on his victory, Ebenyo said he only has God to thank for as he has prepared well for the race.

"The competition has not been easy because it was the best of the best in every region. It was a very tough race with ups and downs, but I thank God I won," said Ebenyo.

With the National Cross Country Championships concluded, all eyes now turn to the Sirikwa World Cross Country Gold Tour, set for February 22, 2025, at the Lobo Village in Uasin Gishu County.