Jonathan Komen
28 May 2011
Nairobi — Africa Junior 3,000m steeplechase silver medallist Jairus Kipchoge on Saturday beat a stellar line-up to win his race at the final leg of National Bank of Kenya/Athletics Kenya track and field meeting at Kamariny Stadium, Iten.
Junior athletes showed their intention to join the Kenya team to this year’s All Africa Games in Maputo, Mozambique, and the IAAF World Championships in Daegu, Korea.
Kipchoge, 19, displayed the composure of a veteran as he opened up a wide gap after four laps.
The Mumias leg winner, a younger brother of World 800m silver medallist Alfred Kirwa, dazzled the huge crowd as he raced to victory in eight minutes 51.6 seconds.
New talents Nelson Kogei (8:56.6), Clement Kemboi (9:00.6) and Justus Kemboi (9:01.2) followed Kipchoge in that order.
In 5,000m, Africa junior cross country champion Nicholas Togom (14:19.2) fell to Robert Kipkorir (14:07.6), winner of the Zhuhai 21km race in China last year, and lttle-known Leonard Barsoton (14:13.7).
On Friday, Margaret Masai (16:51.3), a sister of World 10,000m greats Moses, Linet and Denis Masai – won 5,000m ahead of Phanencer Chemutai (16:57.8) and Rebecca Chesir (17:01.7).
Nothing short of a win
Kipchoge, who trains under the Italy-based Nike International stable, said: “I came here ready for nothing short of a win. In fact, I had promised my brother (Alfred Kirwa) that I must win. I now long for either a place in All Africa Games or the World Championships.”
Among the spectators were Keiyo North MP Lucas Chepkitony, World 5,000m champion Vivian Cheruiyot and four-time World Cross Country four-kilometre winner Edith Masai.
Other results
Men – 1,500m: Kibet Barng’etuny (47.6), Fred Musyoki (48.8), James (3:45.6) and Hillary Tuwei (3:45.8); 800m: Anthony Chemut (1:49.4), Edwin Kurgat (1:50.3), Linus Kitur (1:51.3); 400m: David Chemjor (47.6), Moses Kertich (47.8), Alfred Kipketer (48.6); Women – 10,000m: Joyce Jepkurui (33:15.4), Susan Tanui (34:55.4), Sally Jemutai (35:00.7); 400m Hurdles: Maurine Chelagat (54.7), Agnes Aneno (56.4), Grace Kidake (57.4)
AllAfrica – All the Time
Read More:
Kenya: Juniors Prove Their Mettle At Kamariny Meet