Chepkoech leads Kenyan steeple quartet to Doha

Gilbert Kiprotich at Nyayo Stadium

World 3000m steeplechase record holder Beatrice Chepkoech will lead a strong Kenyan contingent in the water-and-barriers race at the World Championships set for Doha, Qatar on September 27 – October 8.

Chepkoech won national trials held on Thursday at the Nyayo National Stadium, Nairobi in 9:45.15 ahead of former World champion Hyvin Kiyeng (9:45.20) and the World Under 20 champion Celliphine Chespol (9:45.24).

Prior to the race, Chepkoech had already booked herself a ticket to Doha having won the IAAF Diamond League, thus handing the fourth-placed athlete a slot in the team.

Fancy Cherono who ranked fourth in 9:50.11 will thus join the trio in Doha as they seek to reclaim gold Kenya missed in the previous edition held in London in 2017.

“We are ready to work as a team that is why you saw us hold our hands together when we approached the finish line. This team is good because all of us have been in top five in major competitions this year,” Chepkoech said.

Kiyeng who won bronze in 2017 said it was time to reclaim the gold medal and probably a podium sweep for the Kenyans.

“If we work together as a team I know we will bring the medals home. However, we also have to be careful since it Championships is always tricky,” Kiyeng said.

Elsewhere, African Games 400m hurdles champion Vanice Kerubo continued her supremacy over the distance when she emerged victorious in 59.65 beating Gladys Ngure (61.54) and Betty Chelangat (67.65) who finished second and third respectively.

Kenya will however not have a representative on the event as the trio missed to hit the qualification time of 56.00

Africa 800m silver medalist Emmanuel Korir stormed to tomorrows finals after winning his semi final race in 1:46.6

Other athletes who made it to Friday finals include; Abel Kipsang, Ferguson Rotich, Jonathan Kitilit, Alfred Keter, Collins Kipruto and Ngeno Kipngetich.