WORLD junior champion Barnabas Kipyego led from gun to tape to win the 3,000m steeplechase as the Kenya Technical Training Institutions Sports Organisations (KETTISO) games entered the third day yesterday at Gusii Stadium.
Running for Kaiboi TTI, Kipyego who clinched the global title in Eugene, Oregon last year, clocked 9:01.2 to win yesterday’s race. He was closely followed by Hamington Cherop of Keroka who clocked 9:12.1 as compatriot Justine Moseti placed third in 9:13.8. The fourth position went to William Cheruyoit in 9:14.3. In an interview, Kipyego 19, said: “The weather was cold and this slowed down the race. However, I am happy with the number of fans who came to cheer us.”
Winfrida Moseti of Keroka won the women’s 5, 000m in a new championship record of 16:42.05. She was followed by Dorcas Nzembi also of Keroka in second place in 17:07.01. Vivian Cheptanui completed the top three places in 17:42.04. Moseti, who finished second in the 1,500m race on Tuesday, opened a 100m gap with five laps to go and never looked back.
“I’m shocked that the second placed athlete was that far. I decided to kick with five laps to go and I didn’t look back. However, the track was not compact and this affected our timing,” she told reporters. KETTISO chairman Evans Bosire said the games were very competitive.
“We have had international athletes racing here. This shows that KETTISO is growing. I’m also happy with the high number of fans who turned up,” said Bosire who is also Athletics Kenya public relations officer and Keroka TTI principal.
Selected results—Women—100m:1. Cardine Mwende 13.0, 2. Theodora Kunani 13.0, 3. Celestine Atsiango 14.0; 200m: 1. Caroline Musembi 27.0, 2. Divinah Ongaga 27.5. 3, Diana Chebet 27.9; 400m: 1. Vivian Chelagat 56.7, 2. Mirriam Chepkirui 57.8, 3. Betty Chelagat 58; 800m: 1. Fancy Cherotich, 2:13.08, 2. Divinah Ongaga 2:14.05, 3.Vivian Chelagat 2:16.06, 4. Gladys Mong’are 2:19.07.
Men—100m: 1. Boaz Araka 11.0, 2. Joseph Onduto 11.3, 3. Isaiah Malakwem 11.5; 400m: 1. Dennis Nyambane 50.1, 2. Allan Melly 50.7, 3. Nicholas Kirwa 50.9; 400m-H: 1. Aron Kibet 52.7, 2. Rotich Stephen 54.5, 3. Duke Nyang’au 55.8; 800m:1. Kipkoech Justice 1:53.04, 2. Duke Nyang’au 1:53.09, 3. Peter Langat 1:57.03.
