Africa champ Kiprop reigns supreme in Iten

What you need to know:

  • Athletes struggle for qualifying times on slippery track and cold weather conditions

Africa 10,000m champion Wilson Kiprop on Friday beat a quality field to win his specialty at the final leg of National Bank of Kenya and Athletics Kenya track and field meeting at Kamariny Stadium, Iten.

The athletes struggled for qualifying marks as they braved slippery conditions and cold weather following a heavy downpour the previous night.

And a police crackdown in the morning on vehicles flouting traffic regulations contributed to most runners reaching the stadium late.

Kiprop, who had been out of action following a career threatening knee injury after winning the World Half Marathon Championships last year, led a pack of five runners as World Youth 3,000 bronze medalist Paul Lonyangata, Levy Matebo and Kenneth Kipkemboi ketp tabs.

Lonyangata and upstart Kipkemboi however kept in close check and exchanged the lead with the 24-year-old Kiprop. But Kiprop then stepped up the pace, opening a 50-metre gap to post a brilliant 28: 56.2 –a leading 10,000m run in high altitude.

Kipkemboi (28:56.6), Lonyangata (29:37.2) and Kiprono Kurgat (30:09.9) followed as Matebo disappeared off the radar mid-stream.

Kiprop, who trains in Iten under Italian manager Gianni Demadonna, said: “I am grateful I could post the time in my first race since World Half Marathon. I now stand a better chance in this season and I hope to make team for the World Championships.”

Little known Evans Taiget (14:29.3) easily won his 5,000m heat beating rivals Edwin Kaitany (14:35.2), Moses Mukono (14:39.1) and Boaz Kipyego (14:46.2) as David Kibet (14:53.3) and Saekwo Somikwo (15:00.1) followed. Elkana Kibet won on of the 1,500m heat in 3:50.0) ahead of Elijah Kipchirchir (3:52.1) and Christoper Cheruiyot (3:56.2) to qualify for today’s finals. Fredrick Chemwolo (3:57.8) came fourth.

World Youth 1,500m champion Nelly Chebet chalked up the four lap race win in 4:28.6, 23 seconds shy of the IAAF World Championships 4:05.90 mark. Ednah Monaria (4:30.6) and Silvia Chesebe (4:31.2) checked in second and third as Damari Cherotich (4:39.6), Veronicah Chepkosgei (4:41.3) and Agnes Chesani (4:47.1) came in that order.

Chebet, who hails from Mt Elgon, said the track and the high altitude was quite challenging and had to settle for the slow time.