20120115
AFP
Boston and New York marathon champion Geoffrey Mutai began the new track season in style on Saturday when he beat a strong field to retain the Kenya Police Inter-Divisional Cross-Country title.

The 30-year-old Mutai, who has not raced since winning the New York title last November, demonstrated his strong finishing power as he stormed to an easy victory in 37min 38.0sec after breaking away from the leading pack at the 4km mark.

Moses Masai, the Berlin world 10,000m bronze medallist, who is making a comeback after a two-year injury lay-off, finished second in 38:03.3, ahead of Titus Mbishei, who was third, nearly four seconds adrift.

"I might have won here today but it was not as easy as it looked. I feel I have a lot left to do to gain the shape I was in last year but this is a confident start for me if you consider the opposition," said Mutai after the race.

Former Commonwealth 10,000m champion Lucy Kabuu won the women's race in her final tune-up for the Dubai Marathon, where she will be making her marathon debut on January 27.

The 27-year-old clocked 28:22.2, ahead of Margaret Wangari (28:45.7) and world marathon champion Edna Kiplagat, who was third in 28:59.1.