Kipruto,Tirop reign supreme at AK leg in Mumias

Collins Kipruto reigned supreme in the second edition of the Athletics Kenya (AK) Track and Field leg that came to an end Saturday at the Mumias Sports Complex in Kakamega County.

Kipruto came tops  in the men’s 800m clocking (1:47.9) ahead of Bernard Kipyegon (1:48.7) and Daniel Magut (1:49.1) who came in second and third respectively.

Kipruto fresh from competing at the just concluded IAAF World Relay Championships in Yokohama, Japan said he is now shifting his focus to his speciality of 800m after taking part in the newly introduced 2x2x400m in Japan.

“I am happy for the win although the track was somehow challenging because we competed early morning. I am targeting All Africa Games and right away I am going to prepare for the third meet,” said Kipruto who is based in Nyahururu.

Qualyne Kiprop of Torongo training camp in Baringo emerged the winner in the women’s 1,500m crossing the finish line in 4:19.2 followed by Judith Chepngetich who clocked 4:21.0 with the World Under-20 5,000m champion Beatrice Chebet coming in third in 4:27.2.

After emerging top in 10,000m in the first meet held in Nyeri, Kiprop who trains under the tutelage of coach Barnabas Kitilit said she is keen to compete in both events.

“Although I missed to register for the 10,000m I am happy to have won this race.  I am looking forward to represent Kenya in All Africa Games after I failed to do so in the World Cross, “said the 20-year-old Kiprop.

Robert Kiprop clocked 13:41.1 en route to winning the men’s 5,000m as Alfred Barkach (13:46.1) and Jacob Rop (13:52.8) finished second and third respectively.

In the men’s 3,000m steeplechase, Stephen Kiplagat took the honours in 8:42.6 followed by Geoffrey Kipkemoi who clocked 8:42.8 as Luke Shatuke closed the podium in 8:43.4.

In the corresponding women race,  Nancy Wanjiru outshone her competitors winning the race in 9:42.5 closely followed by Betty Kibet (9:57.3) with Stella Chepkosgei finishing third in 10:05.2.

Kibet who is based in Kapsabet said she is keen to earn a ticket to Casablanca, Morocco for the continental championships set for August.

“I am contend with the second place because I went to the race somehow tired since I competed yesterday in the 5,000m. My target however is to make the team in this race,” observed Kibet who represented Kenya in the 2016 World Under-20 Championships.

Irene Kimais came top in the women 10,000m ahead of Monica ChirChir and Roselida Chepketer.

Maximila Imali destroyed a competitive 200m field as she clocked 24.5 as Maurine Thomas and Eunice Kadogo tied in 25.3 with Nivian Michira settling for the fourth spot.

AK officials led by Western region chairman Patrick Kipsang were overly elated with the turn out of the athletes.

“We are happy everything has gone according to plan.You saw the large number of athletes and it shows you that we are still a powerhouse when it comes to athletics because majority of those who competed are youngsters for the future,” said Kipsang.

After Mumias, the next stop is Narok for the third and final leg on June 7-8.