By GILBERT WANDERA
Gladys Cherono, running in her first 10,000m race, upset Boston Marathon runner-up Susan Muthoni on the first day of the Kenya Defence Forces Athletics Championships at Kasarani.
Cherono, who is representing Kahawa Barracks, won the race in 35:17.1 ahead of second placed Cherop from Isiolo who finished in 35:19.8 and Doris Changeiyo of Embakassi who came third in 35:20.2, Thursday.
The winner said she did not expect to do so well being her first time to run the 25 lap race and hopes this performance will inspire her during the national trials next month.
“It was a tough race and we started slowly but I’m happy I was able to pick up speed towards the end. Running against such a strong field, I can just say I am surprised to have finished first,”
“Now I’m looking forward to the national trials and I will try and make it in the Kenyan team to the Olympics,” she said.
Cherop admitted that she was tired after running in Boston last month but is nonetheless satisfied by her performance.
Good representation
“I ran in Boston just last month. I have not fully recovered but I’m glad to have made a good representation for my team,” she said.
Cherop said she will not take part in the Olympics trials due to the short time between now and August.
“My plan is to run in September because I will have fully recovered by then. This means I cannot feature in the national trials,” she said.
second round
Commonwealth Games bronze medalist Mercy Njoroge won the 3,000m steeplechase final in a time of 10:08.4.
Njoroge from Laikipia Air Base (LAB) finished ahead of Agnes Chesang (representing Isiolo) who clocked 10:17.4. Lucia Kamene (10:15.6), representing Lanet, was third.
Vincent Mumo easily made it to the second round in the men’s 400m heats after clocking 47.1.
Mumo from Laikipia Airbase finished ahead of Zachary Kosgei of Moi Air Base (MAB) who timed 47.5, while Felix Konchella from Isiolo was third in 48.0 seconds
Mumo was delighted with his first performance of the season and pointed out that it has set him on the right track.
“I feel great with today’s performance being my first time to run this season,” he said.
Mumo, who is part of the men’s 4X400m Kenyan team that has already qualified for the London Olympics said they are confident of doing well in the Games.
“It will be my third time to take part in the Olympics and I hope we can do better this time around,” he said.
Said Rutto clocked 46.5 to win the other 400m heat. He was followed by Lewis Wachira who clocked 47.2, while Solomon Buoga was third in a time of 47.5.
