Chris Musumba
14 June 2011
Nairobi — Africa Cross Country silver medallist Henry Chirchir was relegated to second place by guest athlete Peter Kirui in the final of the men’s 10,000m race on the first day of the Administration Police Athletics Championships at the Nyayo National Stadium.
With the Kenya Police Service and the Defence Forces having completed their national championships, the Administration Police took charge as they seek to pick the best to represent them at the trials to pick the Kenya team for the World championship, which will be done on July 14.
Kirui was timed at 28.29.2 ahead of Chirchir, who timed 28:46.7 to complete the 25 laps in a time which is over a minute more than the set qualification mark of 27:40.00.
“I hope to make the Kenyan team to the World Championship. Many stars are missing here and it will be difficult to win the national trials next month,” Kirui said.
The race lacked the anticipated spark after world marathon champion Abel Kirui withdrew with a knee injury.
This left Chirchir, who was fourth at the Prague Half marathon in April, with only Kirui to challenge, a task he failed to conclusively handle when he came second.
Yego third
Kiprotich Yego was third in 29:07.0, while David Tarus came in fourth after 29:20.06 ahead of Kennedy Melly finishing in 29:23.5 in fifth position.
Mukindi Mwangi (29:31.5), Isaac Gichuki (29:33.5) and Bernard Kipkoech (29:56.8) followed in that order.
Peter Kiplangat, representing western region, leapt 6.78 metres to leave his opponents way behind in the final of the long jump. Hezborn Korir was second, barely edging out George Muchiri 6.33m to third place.
The fourth place went to Richard Cherop, who jumped 6.30 metres, with Paul Mwanzia fifth in 6.28, while Oliver Kipkeu was sixth in 6.18.
However, with lack of equipment at their stations, the Administration Police officers displayed poor skills in take-off and landing.
In the 400m women’s hurdles semi finals, Caroline Waiganjo posted the fastest time for the service when she clocked 65.1 ahead of Everlyn Kendi (68.9), while Jacinta Chepkoech 72.2 was third.
The second semi final saw Nancy Sang stopping the clock at 67.2, with Evelyne Koskei taking the second slot in 68.6.
AllAfrica – All the Time