Commonwealth Games 3,000m silver medalist Abraham Kibiwott and World 3,000m world record holder Beatrice Chepokech were the winners of water and barriers at the Kip Keino Classic, the Athletics Continental Tour at Nyayo National stadium.
World under 20 3,000m champion Leonard Bett was the second behind Kibiwott.
“I knew the racer was going to be challenging after realizing that I will face off with Bett, Geoffrey Kirwa Amos Kirui and others. This, being my first race and competing at home, a win was good for me and I have a reason to celebrate since the win was not easy,” said Kibiwott.
The Nandi based runner clocked 8:17.60 for the title ahead of Bett (8:17.63) and Kirwa completing the podium timing 8:30.92.
Africa junior cross country champion Nicholas Kipkorir Kimeli won the men’s 5,000m title 13:08.32 ahead of Ethiopia’s Betihu Argawi Teklehaimanot (13:08.91) as Africa junior 2,000m silver medalist Jacob Krop completed the podium in 13:11.88.
Former Kenyan runner now based in Bahrain, Nelly Jepkosgei won the 800m title in 2:02.07 ahead of former world 800m champion Eunice Sum (2:03.730 and upstart Eglay Nalianya (2:04.98) for all podium positions.
Chepokech won the title ahead of Hyvin Kiyeng clocking 9:29.05 edging and 9:34.07 respectiely as with former world junior champion Rosefline Chepngetich ending the podium positions in 9:46.14.
Kenya Defence Forces took charge of 400m hurdles in men’s race. Willaim Mbevi dominated led the Kenyan soldiers to a podium positions with Nicholas Chricchir and Edward Ngujiri.
Mbevi won the title in 51.21 with Chirchir in second at 51.48 and Ngunjiri’s 51.91