Distance ace Diana Wanza’s rise continued unabated when she destroyed the field to win the women’s 5,000m race at the Kip Keino Classic on Friday.
Fresh from winning the 10,000m final at the Kenyan trials for the Africa Senior Athletics Championships a fortnight ago, Wanza coasted to victory in personal best 15 minutes and 28.91 second.
Wanza, who will lead Kenya’s charge at the continental championships in 10,000m, beat her previous career best time of 15:52.04 from last year’s Athletics Kenya Track and Field Meeting at Ulinzi Sports Complex.
“I really want to thank the roaring fans for this performance. Every cheer pushed me even when I was alone at the front,” said Wanza, who dropped the field with six laps to go.
“This is a good sign as we head to Ghana. It shows I have good speed,” said Wanza, who hopes to win the Africa 10,000m title. “The title shall come to Kenya with good preparations,” said Wanza, an education graduate from Kenyatta University, who trains in Ngong, Kajiado County.
The Africa Senior Athletics Championships scheduled from May 12 to 17 in Accra, Ghana.
Meanwhile, Rotich Kipkorir is the new Kip Keino Classic men’s 400m hurdles champion.
Kipkorir clocked personal best 48.99 seconds to win, beating Edward Nginjiri to second place in 51.10 as seasoned Moitalel Mpoke came third in 51.57.
“I had faith that I would improve on my personal best from last year. I have been working hard especially in my hurdles clearance,” said Kipkorir, who finished third last year in 49.17 behind Kenya’s Wiseman Were (48.34pb) and Tisang Kemorena (48.59 PB) respectively.
“It’s about being patient in training and leaving the rest to God,” explained Kipkorir, who is in Team Kenya for the Africa Senior Athletics Championships scheduled from May 12 to 17 in Accra, Ghana. “My improvement has been gradual and hitting my first sub-50 time last year was inspiring.”