Former World Half Marathon record holder Kibiwot Kandie obliterated the men’s 5,000m field, clocking 13:53.70 to retain his title at the 44th edition of the KDF track and field Championships at Ulinzi Sports Complex on Wednesday.
Bravin Kiptoo secured second place in 14:03.67, followed closely by Peter Mwaniki at 14:08.65. Despite the fierce competition, Kandie acknowledged the challenge his rivals presented.
“The race was very competitive. My fellow athletes were well prepared and gave torrid moments,” Kandie remarked.
Although tired from the 10,000m earlier in the week, Kandie’s determination to win never wavered.
“I was ready for the competition. Despite participating in the 10,000m on Monday and feeling a bit tired, I pushed myself to the maximum to retain this 5,000m title,” he added.
Kandie defended his 10,000m title on Monday in 28:27.10, beating Roncer Konga (28:40.35) and Dismus Lokira (28:42.43) to second and third places respectively.
Last year, Kandie also won the 5,000m race in 13:23.49 ahead of Bravin Kiptoo (13:34.91) and Peter Mwaniki (13:36.29) respectively.
Daniel Munguti showcased his prowess in the men’s 1,500m, retaining his title in 3:37.15 with Joseph Rotiken (3:37.65) and Mathew Kipchumba (3:37.84) sealing the podium. Munguti said he had done light preparations in readiness for the championships.
“The race was fair—my preparations before the race were not so intense. I guess I was at 70 per cent because I am coming from cross-country season,” Munguti noted. Last year he also clinched the title in 3:37.35 ahead of Charles Simotwo (3:38.22) and George Manangoi (3:39.65). Munguti said he was using the race to improve his speed as he gears up to attain the 1,500m Olympic qualifying mark.
The 29-year-old is 21 microseconds shy of the Olympic qualifying mark which stands at 3:33.50. His personal best set at the Kip Keino Classic is 3:33.71.
In the men’s 3,000m steeplechase, 20-year-old Simon Koech clocked 8:22.51 to defend his title. Wesley Langat placed second in 8:31.92 with Elias Kibet third in 8:38.24. Koech said the next step is to perfect his training ahead of National Trials.
“I had come into the race with the mentality of retaining my crown and I did enough preparations to ensure I see off the competition.”
“My win today gives me morale ahead of the Olympic Trials,” Koech stated.
Loice Morara outpaced defending champion Rukia Nusra in the 100m and 200m women's events. In the 100m, Morara clocked 12.04 with Nusra returning 12.08. Delisha Etyang completed the podium in 12.36.
This was a repeat of the women’s 200m, where Morara won in 24.32 with Nusra (24.98) and Etyang (25.18) second and third respectively.
Sela Jepleting clinched the women’s 10,000m title by clocking 32:16.78. Joycline Jepkosgei came second in 32:20.28 while Marion Kibor settled for third in 32:37.22.
Belinda Obura set a new record in the women's shot put after clearing 14.25m. Sarah Atieno (13.59m) and Monica Ruguru (12.84) completed the podium.
