Wanjiru, Too shine at Nairobi AK meet

African Games 3000m steeplechase silver medalist Mercy Wanjiru reigned supreme in the women’s 5000m as the second leg of Athletics Kenya (AK) Track and Field competition kicked off on Thursday at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.

Wanjiru clocked 15:59.8 to beat world under-18 800m silver medallist Lydia Jeruto to the second spot in 16:00.6 as Margaret Nduta placed third in 16:04.9.

The Nyahururu-based athlete said she opted to compete in 5k in order to develop her endurance as she gears towards a busy season ahead with the Olympic Games her major target.

“I am happy to have won this race although it was not that easy. I was using this race for my endurance. After today’s race I think my body is responding well to training,” said the Kenya Defence Forces athlete.

Elsewhere, in the men’s 10000m Josephat Too stormed to victory in 28:41.0 ahead of Victor Korir who finished second in 28:42.3 as Alfred Kimani sealed the podium in 29:04.4

As the two-day event comes to a close on Friday, the remaining finals will be held with world under-20 champion Beatrice Chebet and her training partner Sandrafelis Chebet set to line up in the 10000m race.

African Games 5000m champion Robert Kiprop will be seeking to defend the title he won at the first meet held at the University of Eldoret a fortnight ago.

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Athletics Kenya Nairobi AK meet Josephat Too Mercy Wanjiru

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