Nairobi Star (Nairobi)
Kiplangat Kirui
4 April 2011
COMMONWEALTH Games 3,000m steeplechase Richard Mateelong endured stiff competition to win the 5,000m race during the second National Bank/Athletics Kenya meeting at Narok University ground over the weekend.
Mateelong, who was the darling of the crowd posted 14:02.4 ahead of Patrick Ereng (14:10.5) and William Malel (14:11:7), who finished second and third respectively. “I am happy to win the race especially in Maasai land. The weather was favourable and my challengers pushed me to victory,” said an elated Mateelong, who hopes to improve on his performance during the third series held in Kisii on April 15-16.
In women’s 10,000m race, Janet Onyangi of Kisii proved her supremacy when she won the race in 36:02:4.
Onyangi was followed by Millicent Maina in second place after posting 36:32.3 while Zipporah Chebet was third after returning at 36:56.0.
In men’s 1500m, Geoffrey Barusei of Bomet clocked 3:52.0 to win the race. Barusei was closely followed by Kipngetich Kirui of Police (3:52.3) while Nicholas Kipchumba was third in 3:52.5.
In women’s 1,500m, Helen Obiri of Laikipia Air Base won in a time of 4:30.1. Africa junior 6km cross country champion Caroline Chepkoech-a younger sister of the Africa women’s 8km cross country champion Mercy Cherono-was second timed at 4:35.0.Nancy Kathure of Kemu finished third in 4:36.8.
In men’s 800m, little known Job Kinyor representing Administration Police caused a major upset after beating Olympic 1,500m champion Asbel Kiprop to third place. Kinyor clocked 1:47.0 ahead of the second placed Hosea Kandie from Lanet. Kinyor was timed at 1:49.4 while crowd favourites Kiprop clocked 1:49.7 to take third place.
Another surprise in the two-day event was women’s Olympic 800m champion Pamela Jelimo, who was eliminated in 200m and 1,500m during the heats.
AllAfrica – All the Time
Link:
Kenya: Matelong Shines in Narok Race as Asbel is Floored