Newly crowned Commonwealth Games 10,000m silver medallist Daniel Simiu is already focusing on next year's World Championships in Budapest.
The 25-year-old lost to gold medalist and World Half marathon champion Jacob Kiplimo in a sprint finish in the 25-lap race at the Alexander Stadium but was still delighted with his performance.
“ Tomorrow is promising. We fought hard against Kiplimo and I believe I did my best for the country. There will be another opportunity next year during the World Championships in Budapest,” added Simiu.
Kiplimo clocked 27:09.19 after delivering a stunning powerful kick in the final 200m with Simiu taking silver in 27:11.26. World Half Marathon silver medallist Kandie took bronze in 27:20.34.
Simiu said he decided to hit the front with some energy left after the bell but it failed to work.
"However, I am still optimistic of a better result in the future and the Birmingham show is a huge achievement for my career," he added.
Team Kenya last won gold in the event at the 2002 Club Games in Manchester courtesy of Wilberforce Talel.
Since then Ugandans have monopolized the event with Moses Kipsiro winning four times in 2006(Melbourne), 2010( New Delhi), and 2014 (Glasgow) with World 10,000m champion Joshua Cheptegei winning in Gold Coast four years ago.
Simiu said he tried to beckon his teammates—bronze medalist Kibiwott Kandie and Edward Zakayo during the race but it didn't quite work.
“I tried to summon the rest with two laps to go but Kandie and Zakayo had drifted back.”
On his part, Kandie said he was delighted to finish third in his first track event. "I'm delighted to have won. It was a tough race but I am happy I have done my country proud,” added Kandie.
In the final two laps, Kandie said his body failed to react to keep pace with Ebenyo and Kiplimo. Team Kenya have now two silver medals and two bronze.
