By GILBERT WANDERA
and REBECCA GICHANA
Double world champion Vivian Cheruiyot won the women 1,500m event on the final day of the Kenya Police Athletics competition at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Cheruiyot, who won the women 5,000m and 10,000m during last year’s World Athletics Championships in Daegu, South Korea, braved a strong opposition from former Commonwealth 10,000m Champion Lucy Kabuu, who stayed with her throughout the four laps.
But after the bell, Cheruiyot sprinted at full throttle to leave Kabuu, who is eying to challenge her in the quest for 10,000m ticket to the London Olympics, gasping for breath. She clocked 4:06.00 with Kabuu second two seconds later while Mary Kuria was third in a time of 4:10.6.
Cheruiyot said she was happy with her speed gauging display having ran in the unfamiliar 1,500m and will work harder ahead of the national trials to select Kenya’s team to the London Olympic Games. On whether she would double again in London, Cheruiyot said; “It will all depend on how I run at the trials. Right now it is too early to say no.”
Cheruiyot also pointed out that Kenyan athletes are fast taking over the long distance arena and the Ethiopians will be relegated to second fiddle. “We have come of age and it is now our time to shine.”
The men’s 1,500m was won by Isaiah Kiplangat who clocked 3:38.7 to finish ahead of Paul Kipsiele Koech (3:39.1) as Nicholas Kemboi came in third in 3:39.7.
In the absence of world champion David Rudisha in the men’s 800m, the stage was left for Nixon Chepseba to rule and he won in 1:45.6 ahead of Ismael Kombich (1:46.4) and Timothy Sein (1:46.8). Nelly Korir won the women 800m race in 2:04.4 ahead of Carolyne Chepkwony (2:08.4) and Juliet Arono (2:09.6).
Ann Wabera claimed the women 10,000m title in 34:36.0 with Dorcas Chepchirchir second five seconds later. Third position went to Josephine Wanjiku in 34:47.6. In 3,000 steeplechase, Philip Yegon finished in the first position clocking 8:34.4 ahead of Charles Sigei (8:39.4) and Collins Ngeno (8:40.0).
Millicent Ndoro claimed the 200m title in 24.0 with Africa 400m hurdle bronze medallist Maryline Chelagat settling for second spot six seconds later. Third position went to Jacinta Shikanda in 27:0.The men’s discuss event was won by Kipsang Rotich with 44.31 metres throw followed by David Terer with 42.51m while third placed Mark Kering managed 40.69m.
Jentrix Nelima scooped the women 100m hurdles in 14.7 ahead of Catherine Kawiria who clocked 17.6. The third position went to Pascaline Chelagat at 18.7. In the 3,000 steeplechase Jackline Chemwok won in 10:17.6 with Consolata Chemtai second after 10:18.0 while Veronica Ngososei was a distant third in 10:22.0.
Rebecca Kerubo claimed the women’s hammer event with a 41.94 metre throw followed by Betty Chebet with 33.73. Everline Kipruto was third with 28.50m.
