Obiri masters Ayana to bask in London glory

Hellen Obiri ran the race of her life to claim consolation for her Olympic silver last year, clinching the women’s 5,000m World title in 14:34.86 on Sunday.

Obiri who was lining up as the world leader in London produced a devastating burst down the back straight to leave defending champion Almaz Ayana trailing in her wake.

Ayana, who had won the 10,000m gold in what was her first race of the season, took silver for Ethiopia in 14:40.35 with the Netherlands Sifan Hassan finishing third in 14:42.73.

Other Kenyans, Margaret Chelimo Kipkemboi (14:48.74) and African champion Sheila Chepkirui Kiprotich (14:54.05) finished fifth and seventh respectively.

The race started off at a slow pace with the East Africans exchaning leads.

At 1200m Ayana took lead as Obiri tracked her opening a small gap between them and the chasing pack.

Ayana who was struggling with her kick in the heats opened the gap further which did not intimidate Obiri with seven laps to go.

Having done 2400m already the two medal favourites had opened a gap of about 20m.

By the time they had done 3200m Ayana and Obiri had opened a gap of 100m as Ethiopian Dutch runner Hassan Sifan led the chasing pack battling for the least podium place.

With three laps to go the race was clearly between Ayana who was desperately trying to shake off Obiri.

Obiri made her move after covering 4400m but Ayana managed to take leadership.

When the bell went off Obiri streaked away from Ayana opening a gap of about 30m for her golden moment for Kenya.