Athletes compete in the men’s 5,000m at Ulinzi
Sports Complex / TEDDY MULEI
Festus Kimorwo of Sinonin Training Camp has set his sights on glory in the 10,000m race at the Kip Keino Classic on May 31.
The rising star drew confidence from his dominant performance during the final leg of the Athletics Kenya track and field weekend meeting on Thursday at the Ulinzi Sports Complex, where he stormed to victory in the men’s 5,000m, clocking 13:42.74.
He outkicked Silas Senchura (13:44.95) and Pasanjo Gitonga (13:49.15) in an electric finish.
Speaking after the race, Kimorwo said his eyes are now firmly set on the Kip Keino Classic, where he hopes to lower his 29.09.90 personal best set during the fifth AK meeting at Ulinzi.
“My focus is now on the Kip Keino Classic. I will be running the 10,000m and my goal is to lower my personal best to 28 minutes," Kimorwo said.
Thursday’s race was tough, but he trusted his kick.
“The race was tough, but I decided to go all out. I noticed Senchura was fading, so I made my move and pushed for a fast finish," he said
Kimorwo was fresh from a runner-up finish in the 10,000m at the fifth weekend at the same venue, just behind Senchura’s 29:09.49.
With the 10,000m missing from this weekend's programme, Kimorwo opted for the shorter distance to keep his engine running.
Meanwhile, Senchura admitted he couldn’t match Kimorwo’s late burst.
"My energy drained during the final lap. I could not keep up with him. I am, however, proud of the second-place finish," he noted.
"Today's race was not easy, I saw the (high) pace from the start, but I decided to go for it," he noted.
Senchura, also targeting the Kip Keino Classic 10,000m race, plans to polish his speed before the showdown.
"I want to work on my speed before the meet. I already have the endurance," he noted. "My target this year is to make the team for the World Championships," he noted.
In the women’s 3,000m steeplechase, Sharon Chepkemoi of Lemotit Training Camp produced a dominant performance, clocking 9:57.27 to clinch top honours.
She spearheaded a clean sweep for Lemotit, followed by Diana Chepkemoi (9:58.97) and Anastasia Cheptoo (10:11.39).
“I didn’t expect to run such a fast time. The heat was intense, but I stayed composed and pushed to the end," she said. "I’m grateful for the teamwork with my training partners, it made the difference.”
“My next focus is the Kip Keino Classic. I am aiming for even better results,” she said.
"I am glad for the second-place finish. I thank my teammates for the teamwork we had today until we made the podium," noted Diana.
“The weather was tough, but I am content with third place. I’m now focusing on the World Championships trials, and I believe I can make Team Kenya,” chipped in Cheptoo.
Roseline Rakamba threw 54.94m to win the women's hammer throw ahead of Nancy Kanini (47.88m) and Rebecca Kerubo (45.30m).
