Jepkosgei wins 5K, Tirop takes 10K at Army Games

IAAF World Half Marathon silver medalist Joyciline Jepkosgei won the women’s 5,000m title at the inaugural Kenya Army Athletics Championships as Eric Tirop took the men’s 10,000m on Wednesday.

World Half record holder Jepkosgei dominated the women’s 5000m event from the start to finish, stopping the timer in 16 minutes 28.7 seconds to win ahead of Penina Kandie of Thika Barracks.

Kandie timed 16:35.0 for second place as Gladys Kimaina claimed the last available podium place in 16:51.4.

“This is my  first track competition of the year as I prepare for the August Africa Championships in Nigeria. I shall compete in the 10,000m but first I shall focus on the June 20, Kenya Defence Forces championships so that I can book my ticket,” Jepkosgei said.

In the second final of the day, Tirop of Thika Engineers upset Embakasi’s Peter Muindi to take the 10,000 honours in only his debut over the distance.

Tirop who is a 5000m specialist made a move on Muindi during the sixth lap to take top honours in 28:34.0.

“Winning the 10,000m event is a big motivation for me. It means that I can do even better in this event. I usually compete in road races. From here I shall compete in the KDF champions because I would like to represent my country for the first time in Nigeria,” Tirop said.

Hilary Kering of Marsabit took the runners up position in 28:37.0 while Silas Kirui of Kahawa Baracks took second runners up position in 28:47.5.

-Developing story…