Twenty-four hours of travel, freezing weather, the first site of snow, and thick mud didn’t slow the Singore Girls cross country team at the 4th annual Nike Team Nationals in Portland, Oregon. The only element that prevented the girls from scoring a perfect sweep in the open race was a cavity, which caused Emmy Kerich to have an off day.
After winning their qualifying race in Kenya, the Singore Girls punched their ticket to Portland - a rare trip outside of Kenya. Arriving just a few days before the race, the girls were greeted by cold, wet conditions and enthusiastic and curious American high school runners. Running in the open race Valentine Koech, Naomi Kipkemboi, Vivian Chelagat, and Mercy Kosgei took the first four spots running over one minute faster than the fifth-place finisher, Jessica Barnard of Little Branch. Emmy Kerich finished 45th, giving the Singore Girls a 31-point victory over second-place team Dana Hills (55 to 86). (Full coverage of the meet can be found here.)
The girls had a great time in Portland, capped by an impromptu standing ovation given by the hundreds of high school athletes, coaches, and parents in attendance at the post-race awards ceremony. They returned to Iten with great stories, new friends, and an experience they’ll never forget. Congratulations girls. We’ll see you in Iten soon!
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