Kiprono bags 5, 000m title at Nyanza inter-collegiate meeting

Asumbi's Bernard Kiprono led from gun to tape to win the 5, 000m race during the Kenya Teachers Colleges Sports Association annual inter-collegiate athletics Championships.

Kiprono clocked 17:03.45  to win the race hosted by Rachuonyo Teachers College at Kosele grounds in Homa Bay County on Thursday.

He beat Emmanuel Morui of Kenyenya to second while Andrew Barasa of St Paul’s Nyabururu was third. Morui clocked 17:07.25 and Barasa 17:11.75.

“ I used my experience to win the race despite stiff competition. My focus is now on nationals where I’m targeting a top-three finish,” said Kiprono.

 Asumbi's Abigael Jebiwott triumphed in the women’s 5,000m in 23:26.91. Team-mate Maureen Jerono (23:27.20) was second while Faith Kapchumba of Nyanchwa came third in 23:34.90.

Emmanuel Morui of Kenyenya ruled the men’s 10, 000m race after clocking 34:44.19 while Ambrose Kigen of Asumbi was second in 36:05.36. The third place went to Jamlek Lemaiyan of Asumbi in 36:30.95.

“Overnight rains messed the track. The wet and muddy situation affected the times we posted. I expect even tougher competition at the nationals,” said Morui.

Maureen Cherono of Asumbi lifted the women’s 3, 000m steeplechase in 15:16.23 to beat Migori’s Joan Chelagat to second place. Chelagat clocked 15:44.69 while Sharon Cherotich took third place in 17:04.26

Masasi Musa of Kenyenya TTC clocked 2:10.03 to win the men’s 800m ahead of Daniel Mwita (2:11.10) of Migori who placed second. Bernard Kiprono of Asumbi was third in 2:12.11.

Winnie Kiplagat of Asumbi beat compatriot Violet Isaboke to win the women’s 10,000m. Kiplagat clocked 44:33.36 while Isaboke finished second at 44:58.92. Borabu’s Mercy Chepng’eno closed the top three places in 47:38.92.

Borabu’s Esther Juma claimed the 5, 000m walk race in a time of 33:3277 and was trailed in second place by Priscilla Shisia of Asumbi in 33:32.40.   Gertrude Bichang’a of Borabu was third in 34:11.33.

Nyanza region Kenya Teachers Colleges Sports Association Nyanza region chairman Timothy Atuti said they will use the two-day championships to select athletes to represent the region at the nationals to be held at Machakos TTC next week.

The two-day championship which will conclude on Friday drew participants from Migori, Asumbi, Rachuonyo, Nyanchwa, St Paul’s Nyabururu, Kamagambo and Borabu Teachers Training Colleges.