David Kimaiyo defeated Africa cross country bronze medalist Charles Yosei Mneira to win the 10,000m title at the 4th leg of Athletics Kenya Track and Field events at the Mumias Sports Complex in Kakamega County.
Coming from Elgeyo Marakwet county, Kimaiyo won the title after emerging top finisher in the two heats ran on a murram track.
He crossed the finish in 28:49.36 ahead of Wesley Kimutai in 28:53.64 and Charles Korir completing the podium in 28:55.36.
Competing in his first Athletics Kenya meeting, Kimaiyo is optimistic that he will make the team for Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, United Kingdom.
“This was my first difficult race, running in hot weather but I managed to win. It was not an easy task. I had to run behind some athletes before sprinting into the last lap for the title,” said Kimaiyo.
The upstart added that being his first race with a win, he will be chasing another title in future races, hoping to make the team.
“This is the first race in the meetings across the country and my target will be to compete at the Commonwealth games in the 10,000m. this is a good start for me,” he added.
Despite winning heat 2, Yosei, who was the pre-race favourite could not match Kimaiyo speed as each heat was a final.
He attributed his poor results on hot weather, failing to cope with the climate.
“I came here with the purpose of winning but this weather could not allow me. It is too hot to handle but I thank God I won in my heat. I want to use this as part of my preparations for the Kenya Prison Service track and field championships,” said Yosei, the Africa cross country bronze medalist.