Rotich, Cherono headline South Rift team for national championships

Ferguson Rotich and Eva Cherono are among the key stars that reigned supreme at the seventh edition of the South Rift regional Track and Field championships held yesterday at the Narok Stadium.

Fresh from winning the London Diamond League, Rotich ran the rule in the men’s 1500m clocking 3:44.5 ahead of Bernard Kipkorir who came second in 3:45.6 as Newton Kipkirui closed the podium in 3:46.5.

In the corresponding women’s race, Edna Chebitok won the race in 4:18.5 with Maurine Cherotich (4:21.0) and Mercyline Cherono (4:23.8) finishing second and third respectively.

On her part Cherono who entered the race after finishing sixth at the London Diamond League took the top honours in the women’s 5000m clocking 16:30.1 beating Jackline Rotich (16:35.6) and Emmaculate Anyango (16:44.6) to second and third place respectively.

World Under-20 5000m champion Beatrice Chebet came home a distant fourth in 16:57.7

Edwin Bett ran to victory in the men’s 10000m crossing the finish line in 30:14.6 trailed by Bernard Kibet who clocked 30:23.8 while Bernard Kipkemoi placed third in 30:37.6

In the women’s race, Everlyn Chirchir stormed to victory in 33:11.5 by Sandrafelis Chebet who stopped the timer in 33:14.2 as Gladys Cherono ranked third in 34:04.0

Ita Nao Leshan qualified for the national championships in javelin after managing a throw of 61.17 metres.

The South Rift region comprises of; Kericho, Narok, Bomet, Nakuru, Kajiado and Laikipia Counties.

The region was using the championship to select their team for the national championships cum trials for the World Championships slated for August 20-22 at the Nyayo National Stadium.