Kenya's record-breaking spree in relays continues
Asbel Kiprop was among the quartet that smashed the previous best in the men's 4x1500m. PHOTO | AFP
Kenya ensured another $50,000 came out of the bonus coffers as their middle-distance maestroes smashed another record, this time in the men's 4x1500m.
In what was an expected world record tilt, the quartet of Collins Cheboi, Silas Kiplagat, James Magut and Asbel Kiprop smashed the previous best in the men's 4x1500m in a cool display of controlled running.
The Kenyans clocked 14min 22.22sec for gold, more than 14sec faster than the previous mark of 14:36.23 set by another Kenyan foursome in Brussels in 2009.
"It is a great motivation to represent Kenya and be part of a team," said Kiprop.
"The world record was ours and our times were not that fast in the beginning, but we managed to break it."
The United States took some solace from their strong women's 4x400m team, who won the event in convincing fashion in 3min 21.73sec.
Third leg Natasha Hastings made the difference after eventual silver medallists Jamaica had threatened, the US team also featuring DeeDee Trotter, four-time Olympic gold medallist Sanya Richards-Ross and Joanna Atkins.
And the USA also upset a Kenyan team featuring world champion Eunice Sum in the 4x800m, pushing the east Africans into second after winning in 8:01.58.
