World Masters championships has given a new life to former track and field champions to exploit their talents fully before hanging their spikes completely.
Last week, Athletics Kenya held the World Masters track and field national trials at Moi Sports Centre, Kasarni, with athletes making their cut to this year’s World Masters championships to be staged in Spanish City of Malaga in September.
It was great moment for Commonwealth Games medallist led by 2002 And 2010 5,000m bronze medallist Innes Chenonge who made a prowess in her race.
Chenonge cut into the Kenya team by winning in 35:38.03 ousting 2006 Commonwealth 5,000m champion Isabella Ochichi to second position ahead of team Kenya naming.
“This Masters given us an opportunity for prosperity in our career. Many of us may not have thought of representing the country again but here we have an opportunity,” said Chenonge.
Apart from training former world javelin champion Julius Yego, Joseph Mosonik threw 40:40m to lift the title.
As part of motivating the youth, Mosonik will be flying the national colours at Malaga.
2010 Commonwealth Games 400m champion Mark Mutai won in the one lap race to enter history books, getting another chance for the Malaga ticket.
Experienced Mutai clocked 50:08 to make the cut as as Francis Komu won 5,000m timing 14:40.09.
Former national record holders Nelly Jeptanui and Tom Musinde were all on podium to secure their chances.
Jeptanui clocked 2:12.0 to win 800m as Musinde won 100m in 10:08.
Jeptanui relegated Colleta Chepchirchir to second timing 2:24.8 as Emily Chemutai ended the podium in 2 28.1.
It who is who in 3 000m steeplechase as 2004 world cross country runner Eliud Kirui and old Susan Njukeringa were crowned champions.
Following his exploits at last month’s One America half marathon, Kirui was optimistic of competing for Kenya again.
He clocked 9:19.2 to claim the title while Njukeringa clocked 11:23.0 to take the title.