Seven Kenyan runners finish within 1:28 at the top

For National Girls & Women in Sports Day, celebrating success captured through opportunity inspires others and creates change.

At the 2019 NJCAA Division I Women's Cross Country Championship, seven distinct runners shared the same passion for competing, but that's not all they had in common- they all share hometowns in Kenya and boast talent inside and outside of the classroom. They finished within 1:28 of each other with a first-place time of 16:49 and ninth place a time of 18:17. 

These athletes, in the order they finished at the championship, are Faith Linga (Iowa Western), Everlyn Kemboi (El Paso), Gladys Jemaiyo (South Plains), Winrose Chesang (Iowa Central), Flomena Asekol (New Mexico), Dorcus Ewoi (South Plains), and Francisca Jebor (El Paso).

Located in East Africa, Kenya is home to around 50 million people. Nairobi, Iten, Eldoret, Nanyuki, and Kitale are the hometowns of the seven collegiate runners. The farthest distance between two towns is 370 kilometers or seven hours, while the closest distance is 72 kilometers, around an hour and a half. Most of the cross country runners knew one other before coming to the United States to attend college, and many keep in touch today.  

The Nairobi local, Faith Linga, is rounding-up her freshman year at Iowa Western and making an impact already. The Reivers received their best individual performance in program history when Linga became the school's first national champion at the 2019 NJCAA Division I Women's Cross Country Championship with a time of 16:49. Her finish was 13 seconds ahead of the competition. 

"I love long distance running because it makes me happy and comfortable," Linga said. "I am inspired by runners like Tegla Loroupe and she makes me want to compete at a higher level."

The academic programs offered and the sense of appreciation she felt as a student-athlete led her to Iowa Western. Since moving to the US, Linga has maintained relationships with Flomena and Everlyn that originated in Kenya. A general studies major, she will return next year to compete as a sophomore. 

After two successful years at Iowa Central, Winrose Chesang is furthering her academic and athletic career at Iowa State. Before college, she did not know any of the other Kenyan runners, but attended high school in Nanyuki, about three hours away from Nairobi.

"I found Iowa Central interesting and the right fit for me because it focuses on both academics and athletics," stated Chesang, a nursing major. "Outside of running, they nurture students to be the best representative of their community and their sport." 

With a fourth-place finish and time of 17:34 at the 2019 NJCAA Division I Women's Cross Country Championship, and with the help of her team, Iowa Central took home the championship title. "The team was cooperative, and it allowed me to go out and run well with them while focusing on the same goal," Chesang added.

In order to reach those goals, Chesang believes that one must pair a strong mentality with stamina. "Some people are born with the talent to run but very few people build the proper endurance and mentality while training to make things right." 

Everlyn Kemboi of El Paso finished second overall at the NJCAA Division I Women's Cross Country Championship with a time of 17:02 to cap an exceptional two-year career. 

Teammate, Francisca Jebor of Eldoret came in ninth place, running almost a minute faster than last year's competition with a time of 18:17.

Both athletes learned about El Paso back home because its runners are nationally recognized, and the academics are strong.

While frightening at first, Kemboi appreciated the depth of Kenyan runners and enjoyed visiting with old friends.

"I like to check in with them through 'whatsapp' every once in a while, to see how they are doing because I value the relationships we share."

Aside from the running, Jebor values the opportunities that college has presented her. After two years with El Paso, she is continuing her career at McNesee State and looks forward to reaching new heights.

Gladys Jemaiyo and Dorcus Ewoi share a bond unlike the rest. The two are teammates and roommates at South Plains (TX) and their friendship took flight in Kenya during high school. Jemaiyo and Ewoi each recognized the opportunities present at South Plains and pursued running collegiately together. 

Jemaiyo crossed the finish in third with a time of 17:14 and Ewoi in eighth with a time of 18:08. "It was amazing competing at the championship as Kenyans filled most of the top positions," stated Jamaiyo. Ewoi agreed and was satisfied with her improvement from last years' time of 19:10. 

"I appreciate my coach's willingness to provide information about the school to help me make the best decision," said Ewoi. "Student-athletes are able to complete classwork and train in a positive environment."

Eldoret, Kenya is home to freshman Flomena Asekol of New Mexico. With a sixth-place finish, Asekol ran a time of 17:53 and says she enjoyed competing against foes Everlyn and Faith. "Everlyn and I went to the same high school and we keep in touch through messaging and by talking at meets during the season."

After being advised by her high school coach, Asekol looked into New Mexico and admired what it had to offer. The nursing major hopes to achieve other accolades next season after competing on an injured leg this past championship. 

"It was a good experience because each runner has their own strengths," said Asekol. "Distance running means to challenge yourself in different dimensions and I want to become a national level runner someday." 

These females are shaping the history of the NJCAA and their dedication to the sport is paving the way for future athletes. The 2020 NJCAA Division I Women's Cross Country Championship will be held at Iowa Central, in Fort Dodge (IA).

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