Chepseba shines in 5000m at Nakuru Safaricom AK series

Safaricom Athletics Series
Nickson Chepseba (in blue) leading the 5000 metres men furing the Safaricom Athletics Series held at Afraha Stadium Nakuru on April 4,2015.He crossed the finishing line clocking 13:37:3 followed by Jairus Birech and Vedic Kipkoech both fro Iten  who finished second and third respectively PHOTO:KIPSANG JOSEPH

The 2011 Diamond League series winner Nickson Chepseba of Kenya Police easily beat other athletes in the 5,000m race on the final day of the Safaricom Athletics Series at Afraha Stadium, Nakuru.

Chepseba, who participated in the 5,000m run for the first time, crossed the line in 13:37:3 followed by 3,000m 2014 Commonwealth Silver medallist Jairus Birech (13:38:4) and Vedic Kipkoech (13:42:3), both from Iten.

"The race was very competitive. I took part in the 5,000m race for the first time to test my endurance," said Chepseba who is preparing for the Shangai Diamond League on May 17, 2015.

Jackline Chemweno won the women's 5,000m after clocking 15:49:1. Iveen Chepkemoi of Global and Margret Chelimo finished second and third after posting 15:49:3 and 15:50:1 respectively.

World and Commonwealth Games 800m champion Eunice Sum of Kenya Police won the women's 1,500m race in a time of 4:09:7, and Viola Kibiwot and Cicilia Maina were second and third in 4:11:4 and 4:15:6.

Former 800m queen Janeth Jepkosgei finished seventh in 4:24:0.

In the men's 800m category, Timothy Cheruiyot from Rongai won in a time of 3:36:3, followed by Robert Biwot from Kericho and Anthony Kiptoo of Global in 3:38:0 and 3:38:8 respectively.

The women's 800m category was won by Beatrice Chepkoech from Kericho who posted 2:06:3. Margaret Nyaikera and Peninah Wangare from Prisons emerged second and third after clocking 2:07:1 and 2:07:5.

In the women's 3,000m steeplechase, Agnes Chesang from Isiolo emerged at the top after posting a time of 10:17:0. Mario Kibor (10:17:7) and Immaculate Chebet (10.20.7) from Kahawa and Iten were second and third.

"These are just build up races to the World Championships to be held in Beijing. This is the second series after the one in Thika. We are looking forward to similar competitions in Kisii and Eldoret," said Athletics Kenya Vice President David Okeyo, who is also the director of competitions.