Reigning Africa under 18 5,000m champion Mercy chepkemoi Emmanuel Kiprono were crowned champions in the 5,000m at the ongoing Rift Valley Secondary Schools Sport Association (RVSSSA) at the University of Eldoret Pavilion today.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJlx0SExIZQ
Chepkemoi, the finalists in both 5,000m and 3,000m at the world under 20 championships in Lima Peru, outpaced Chepaita cross country under 20 bronze medalists Joyline Chepkemoi for the title ahead national championships in Mombasa.
Being the year with world Athletics championships in Tokyo, Japan, Chepkemoi said that she is seeking for endurance to compete at both the Africa under 20 championships in Algeria and world championships, Mercy said that she wants to compete in both.
“Today I managed to win, and it is a motivation for me as I seek to compete major championships. I want to compete at the Africa under 20 and world championships in 5,000m,” said Chepkemoi.
The form four student from Tiloa secondary has had a good run in her career and heading for the world, she wants to make a statement.
“I will be facing off with seniors in the road to Tokyo and I want to ensure that I make the team,” said he world cross countryac junior runner.
She won the title after clocking 16:18.3 with namesake Joyline coming second at 16:21.2 with Deborah Cherotich completing the podium at 16:58.2.
In men’s 5,000m, St Francis Kimuron High school student Kiproo won the title in 14:12.8 ahead of experienced Kelvin Kiprop (14:19.8).
This becomes the first race for Kiprop to lose in a race after winning Chepsaita Cross, Discovery Cross country and Sirikwa Classic cross country golf Tour.
In the 3,000m, Damaris Cherono and Brian Kiptoo won the titles to book for national slots.
Cherono won the title in 9:47.7 followed Jane Wangare at 9:50.5 and Juddy Chepkoech coming third in 9:56.0.
Kiptoo from Kiptere in Kericho county won the title ahead of Benson Kirongos of Kimuron who has been aspired by former school mate David Rudisha.