Korikwang stuns Jepkosgei at KDF Championships

Pauline Korikwang marked her return to the track with an upset victory over Joyciline Jepkosgei in the women’s 10,000m, bringing a captivating conclusion to the Kenya Defence Forces Championships on Friday.

Korikwang who has been on a five-year break from competitive action due to injury timed 32:06.0 to hold off World Half Marathon silver medalist Jepkosgei (32.17.0) as Gladys Koech clocked 32:52.8 for third.

“I’m happy with the results after being out for so long. My main target was to win gold for my team. When I go for training I shall work on speed and endurance because I want to make it to Team Kenya for the Africa Championships and God willing I make a podium finish,” Korikwang said.

World Half record holder Jepkosgei will get her chance for revenge when the duo will face off again in two weeks during the National Trials set for June 21-23 where tickets to represent Kenya at the CAA Africa Championships in Nigeria will be at stake.

Verdic Cheruiyot of Kenya Navy (KN) clinched a second victory with a month to claim the men’s 5,000m bragging rights ahead of World Championships finalist Cyrus Rutto of Garissa  and Eric Kiptanui of Embakasi Garrison.

When the bell went off Rutto tried to cruise past Cheruiyot but the Navy man was not willing to let the title float away to Garissa . With the cheering from their collegues present at the Moi International Sports Center, Kasarani, Nairobi Cheruiyot managed to hold off Rutto to cut the tape in 13:47.2. Rutto gave up on the chase and stopped the timer at 13:47.2 ahead of Eric Kiptanui (13:47.8) of Embakasi Garrison.

Nicholas Kiplagat of Nairobi won the men’s 800m in 1:45.2 ahead of  Jonathan Kitilit  (1:45.3)of Kenya Navy (KN) and Jackson Kivuva (1:45.3). While Jarinter Mawia of KN won the 800M women’s race in 2:04.0 followed by Judy Kiyeng (2:04.7) of Moi Air Base and Sella Jepleting (2:08.5).

Charles Simotwo of Kahawa won gold in the men’s 1,500m in 3:45.6 ahead of Lawi Kosegey MAB who clocked 3:45.8 to settle for second podium place while Geoffrey Matum of Isiolo took third podium place after stopping the timer at3:46.2.

In the men’s 3,000m steeplechase, Kennedy Njiru of Lanet also made his second victory of the month in 8:24.2 upsetting Eugene Diamond League winner Benjamin Kigen (8; 29.7) of Kahawa while Phenus Kipleting of Kahawa took bronze after clocking 8:33.5