Cross country champ Kipsang wins with a PB at Kisii meet

Geoffrey Kipsang celebrates after winning a past race. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |

What you need to know:

  • Kipsang, who is also the World Half Marathon champion, tore through the murram track at the Gusii Stadium on Saturday to post personal best time (PB) of 3:40.7.

World Cross Country champion Geoffrey Kipsang (Police) beat World 5,000m bronze medallist Isaiah Koech (Nakuru) to win men’s 1,500m race at Athletics Kenya Kisii Track and Field Meet.

Kipsang, who is also the World Half Marathon champion, tore through the murram track at the Gusii Stadium on Saturday to post personal best time (PB) of 3:40.7.

That effectively tamed Koech, the 2008 World Youth 3,000m champion to second place in 3:41.1 as Zablon Chumba (Complete Sports) finished third in 3:42.1.

“I thank God for this victory. I am happy to run my personal best here in Gusii,” said Kipsang, who is preparing to compete in 10,000m at the Prefontaine Classic, the third led of the Diamond League on May 30 in Eugene, USA.

Kipsang, the 2011 World Cross Country junior champion, is also targeting the 10,000m glory at the World Championships due August in China.\

Nancy Chepkemoi prevailed in women’s 1,500m final, winning in 4:14.6 to relegate Irene Chepkemoi to second in 4:18.7 as while Cecilia Maria finished third in 4:20.4.

National champion Millicent Ndoro (Police) was sublime in her execution to win women’s 100m in 12.0 seconds beating Africa Youth 200m bronze medallist Damaris Akoth (Nyanza) to second place in 12:4.

Catherine Nandi (Lanet) finished in third position in 12:7.