Reigning world Under 18, 3,000m silver medalist will have a chance to represent Kenya in two races across the world this year.
Today, the Elgeyo Marakwet based runner won 5,000m title during the Commonwealth Games trials held at Kasarani Stadium, to add on his junior Africa Cross country slot he won two weeks ago at Uhuru Gardens.
The junior runner who made his name during the World Under 18 championships held in Kasarani, with his photo circulating on the internet for walking past fallen ‘white’ athletes, will fly the Kenyan flag first on 17th March at Africa Cross Country before heading to Gold Coast, Algeria for Commonwealth Games set for 4th April to 15th.
Zakayo won the 5,000m race in 13:28.2 followed by another junior runner Nicholas Kipkorir Melly (13:32.7) and 2010 world junior 5,000m champion David Bett who was third clocking 13:34.7.
In the same category, Africa 5,00m champion Margaret Chelimo cut her ticket to Australia following her win.
Chelimo clocked 15:51.2 to triumph, beating former Africa Junior champion athlete Eva Cherono to second position in 15:54.6.
The duo will be joined by World 5,000m champion Hellen Obiri, who got a wild card as World Cross Country bronze medallist Lilian Kasait finished third to miss out.
In 1,500m race, Beatrice Chepkoech beat Winnie Chebet to win the race in 4:05.5 and Chebet’s 4:06.1 as Mary Kuria came in third in 4:07.4 while expectant Games’ defending 1500m champion Faith Cheng’etich will be missing in action in Gold Coast.