Bett wins 10K, streaking Chebet claims women 5K

The men’s 10,000m was the highlight of the day as the third Athletics Kenya (AK) Track and Field meet came to end on Saturday at the Kenyatta Stadium in Machakos.

The 2010 World Under-20 champion David Bett and Gilbert Kimunyang gave the sizeable crowd of supporters something to cheer about with a sprinting finish as the former took the honours in 28:48.7.

Kimunyang, who is the younger brother to IAAF World Cross Country Under 20 bronze medalist Richard, clocked home just about a second later in 28:49.5.

“Yesterday (Friday) my body did not respond well during the 5,000m finals. I talked to my coach to see if I could compete in this event to check on my endurance and a few other details from my training programme. My main focus is to compete at the 5,000m at the Commonwealth Games,” Bett said.

In the women’s 5,000m final, World Youth 2000m steeplechase silver medallist Sandrafelis Chebet stopped the timer in 15:50.2 to win the race.

“This event was crucial for me as I graduate from the junior ranks. I wanted to gain enough experience competing with the seniors as I check my endurance in the long distance races. I’m eyeing the Africa Cross Country title and a slot in Team Kenya for Gold Coast 2018,” Chebet said.

Her teammate Beatrice Kigen who is focusing on next year’s Under-20 Africa Cross Country Championships in Algeria and the World Under-20 championships in Finland finished second in 16:03.9. Nancy Nzinza settled for third place in 16:10.8.

Athletes lauded Machakos County for installing a tartan track but expressed worries it could easily cause injuries due to its poor finishing.