Silas Kiplagat claims first win of Diamond League season

What you need to know:

  • Cheruiyot settled second in 3:53.17 followed by Kibet in 3:53.19 in the race.
  • The three Kenyans failed to make the Rio Olympics team during the national trials in Eldoret last month.
  • Canada’s Brandon McBride set a new personal best of 1.43.95 in second as Rotich came in third in 1:44.38.

The 2011 World 1,500m silver medallist, Silas Kiplagat, claimed his first Diamond League win of the season with victory in the Emsley Carr Mile in 3.53.04 in London on Friday.

Kiplagat timed 3 minutes and 53.04 seconds to lead compatriots Timothy Cheruiyot and Vincent in sweeping all the podium places as they cashed on the absence of World 1,500m champion Asbel Kiprop and World silver medallist Elijah Manangoi.

Cheruiyot settled second in 3:53.17 followed by Kibet in 3:53.19 in the race.

The race came down to a three way Kenyan sprint as Kiplagat was chased all the way to the finish line. The Kenyan trio dragged along young Brit Geoff Wightman, who set a personal best of 3.54.20 to finish fourth.

The three Kenyans failed to make the Rio Olympics team during the national trials in Eldoret last month.

Olympic-bound Diamond League 800m leader Ferguson Rotich, who won is Shanghai and Stockholm, found the going tough after he was once again beaten by Frenchman Pierre-Ambroise Bosse in the men’s 800m race.

Bosse, who is also headed for the Olympics, moved clear of the field just before the 600m mark as he crossed the line in an impressive 1.43.88.

Canada’s Brandon McBride set a new personal best of 1.43.95 in second as Rotich came in third in 1:44.38.

The 2013 World 5,000m bronze medallist Isaiah Kiplangat will be in action in the men’s 5,000m race on Saturday that also has 2008 Beijing Olympics 5,000m bronze medallist Edwin Soi, steeplechasers Paul Koech and Hillary Kipkoror.

Commonwealth 3,000m steeplechase champion Purity Kirui and Caroline Tuigong will be in action in women’s 3,000m steeplechase while Winnie Chebet will field in the women’s 800m.