Chris Musumba
17 June 2011
Nairobi — Jane Mwikali from Nyanza Province braved a late challenge from Olympics marathon silver medallist, Catherine Ndereba of Nairobi to clinch the 5,000 metres title on the first day of the Kenya Prisons Athletics Championships at the Nyayo National Stadium, on Friday.
In the men’s 10,000m race, it was Kenneth Kipkemoi, a guest athlete, who triumphed after beating his hosts in a solo effort, having shaken off North Eastern’s Joseph Birech.
Kipkemoi clocked 28:06.6 and had time to watch as his competitors came in a sprint finish battling for the second slot.Birech, who was fifth at the Commonwealth games 10,000m race in Delhi last year, registered a time of 28:42.2 for the second place and edged out Charles Cheruiyot 28:42.8.
Mwangangi fourthThe fourth place went to John Mwangangi, the Africa cross country champion in 28:47.4, while Bernard Rotich was fifth in 28:56.0.”It was a good race. I wanted to run as fast as I could, but I had no one to push the pace. I hope to run faster and make the Kenya team for the World championship,” said Kipkemoi.
In the women’s 5,000m final, Ndereba and former Boston marathon champion Salina Kosgei found the going tough as they came home to help their teams win maximum points. In a slow race, Ndereba, who was expected to thrive, failed in the final sprint as Mwikali held out strong to clinch victory in 16:28.04, with Alice Mogire taking second place in 16:36.23, while Ndereba was third in 16:48.56.Eyeing place in team
“It feels good to win, but I know the challenge at the national trials will be hard. So I will continue my training and hope to make the Kenya team to the World Championships,” said Mwikali.
But Ndereba is eying a rare comeback and is still convinced she might have a part to play in the Kenya team in either 10,000m or 5,000m race.”Many people will not believe it, but I still hope I can do well in the track.
“Before the national trials, I will have made up my mind on which race to compete in and they better watch out for me,” she said.In the 1,500m race, Silas Kiplagat won his heat comfortably and said he was not targeting time at the Prisons Championships.”I was just trying to test my body. I have not won a race this season abroad and I hope I am getting back to my best shape, though speed remains my main challenge,” he said.
Kiplagat, who was second in Eugene, Oregon over the one mile race, said he is confident. The women’s 400m race was won by Elizabeth Muthoka in 56.5 seconds, beating Wilkister Juma in 58.9, while Julia Mayaka was third in 60.0. Maureen Chelegat won heat two in 53.4 ahead of Hellen Chepkoech (65.8), with J. Mathenge third in 673.7.
In shot put, Erick Malemo won with a throw of 12.87 metres, beating Joseph Maritim (12.74 meters) and Elvis Kuiya (11.89 metres). The high jump saw James Kamau leap over 1.95 metres, with his rivals failing to equal his target.
David Bett could only clear 1.90m, same as Washington Nyakundi while guest athlete Sammy Mutai was fourth in 1.80m.In the heats, Vincent Kosgei clocked the fastest time over the 400m taking just 50.2 seconds while Wanguo Mutunga was second in 52.3 with Geoffrey Mabwi taking third place in 57.8.
Heat two has Denis Kimeu clocking 54.6 with Kibet Daniel second in 56.9 while A. Aroo was third in 58.1. The third heat saw Micheal Sumwa win in 57.4 ahead of Maurice Odhiambo 58.2.
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Continued here:
Kenya: Rising Mwikali Topples Ndereba