Reigning Daegu marathon champion Abraham Kiptum won men’s 10,000m in the opening day of the 4th meeting of Athletics Kenya track and field event at held today at University of Eldoret ground.
As former world cross country champion Agnes Tirop Jebet beat former world 3,000m steeplechase champion Hyvin Kiyeng in a heated 1,500m to qualify into Saturday’s final.
The two time Lagos marathon champion beat Emmanuel Bor and Henry Rono to second and third positions respectively.
The Nandi based Kiptum and Bor won the race in 29:22.0 as Bor came second timing 29:34.6 before Rono completed the podium clocking 29:54.0.
Kiptum who won Daegu marathon with a course record less then two weeks ago said: “I came here as part of my training since I have not recovered well after Daegu marathon. Today’s race was more tactical that hard like others since it is sunny.”
He added that he wants to feature into the Chicago marathon God willing later in October. But before that, he will have to run at one half marathon and compete at his best Lagos marathon.
Targeting a podium finish at Doha Diamond League, Agnes Tirop Jebet relegated Hyvin Kiyeng in women’s 1,500m. with both qualifying for finals, finished heat two in 4:17.4 and 4:17.9 as Meruem Akelang completing the podium in 4:19.9.
Former world junior 3,000m steeplechase Caroline Tuigong won in 4:3.7 followed by Renny Chelagat (4:40.4) and Naomi Jelagat in 4:43.2 to qualify for Saturday’s final.
In men’s 1,500m, there were four heats that attracted 81 athletes with top four making it to the finals.
Baoz Kipkurgut won the first heat in 3:50.1 followed by Isaac Kipkpoech (3:80.6) and Gilbert Kwemoi (3:51.2). in heat two, Jonathan Sawe took the honours in 3:47.0 ahead of Brimin Kiprotich (3:48.0) and Lawi Kosgei in 3:49.1. Cyrus Rutto won heat three (3:49.7) followed by Sammy Kirong (3:50.6) and Joston meli in 3:51.7. And Wesley Rono won the last heat in 3:54.0 ahead of Muge Saitoti (3:54.6) and Wilson Kogei completing the podium in 3:55.0.
Africa Junior champion Gloria Kite shone in women’s 5,000m race. The West Pokot born runner crossed the finish line in 16:05.3 followed by Joan Jepkemboi (16:22.8) and Nancy Jelagat in 16:31.3.