Former world half marathon record holder Kibiwott Kandie is confident of ending Kenya's 10,000 title drought at the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary between August 19 and 27.
Kandie believes the training he has had is enough to beat the likes of Uganda's Joshua Cheptegei, who has dominated Kenyan runners at recent international championships.
"This is our time as a country and as an individual, this is my time. We have lost this medal to our neighbors for some time now but I believe this is my time to reclaim it," said a boastful Kandie.
Kandie was peerless in the 10,000m race at the Athletics Kenya National Championships held at Nyayo Stadium.
He torched a quality field to win in 27:52.69, bettering his previous best of 28:19.32 he set at the Kenya Defence Forces Championships earlier this month.
The 26-year-old beat youngster Shadrack Rono to second in a personal best of 27:57.07 while Stanley Njihia finished third in 28:02.81.
Former 5,000m African champion Edward Zakayo failed to keep up with the leading pack to finish fourth in 28:03.32.
"The win is not a surprise but the time is. I was coming for gold and nothing else but running such a time was not in my mind. I am surprised. I just wanted to run and win the race," said a joyous Kandie.
The Valencia Half Marathon winner has his eyes set on the global event saying he has changed his training methods to ensure he is fit enough to be champion.
"Nowadays am trying to run up to 20km for the body to adapt. All that am doing in training is aimed at ensuring am ready for the upcoming international event. Halfway through today's race, I felt like we are running slowly and that the pace needed to increase. I can say this is a result of the training I have had. This is proof that I am ready for anything that comes ahead," said Kandie.
At Nyayo, Kandie stuck with the leading pack from the gun until the last lap when he sped off, leaving his competitors with no chance to catch up.
Meanwhile, La Route du Louvre Half Marathon winner Irene Kamais stunned a quality field led by two-time Chicago Marathon champion Ruth Chepngetich to win the women's race in 31:56.37 seconds.
Kamais beat Catherine Releen to second in 31:57.79 while Chepngetich completed the podium in 32:09.87.
"I am so proud of the win. I did not expect a gold medal but here it is. The cool weather made the race more enticing and it helped me achieve this fete. My next target is to make Team Kenya to Budapest," Kamais noted.
Chepngetich said she will not compete in Hungary as her focus is on running at the Chicago Marathon.
"Budapest is too soon for me to be fit enough. Even today I was not ready enough so my focus is on Chicago," she said.
Two national records were set during the day as 400m hurdles champion Wiseman Were lowered his previous record of 49.59 by close to a second. Were clocked 48.52 to win the specialty, beating veteran William Mbevi to second in 50.44 while Kipkorir Rono finished third in 50.75.
"I am surprised I have broken my record. I was not thinking of it. I came here prepared to compete and win but it seems am going home as a double champion. This time qualifies me for the world championships so my focus in training is toward bettering my position. I want to be on the podium in Hungary," said Were.
Rukia Nusra set a national record in the 100m hurdles race in 13.87 beating Eswatini's Gladys Naura to second in 14.79 while Veronica Cherono finished third in 14.84.
"I am over the moon," said Rukia. "Setting such a record is not easy. This is a result of my hard work in training. This result is a big morale booster as I head to the trials. I am hopeful of meeting the time for Budapest," said Rukia.
