After winning the 5, 000m race during the fifth Athletics Kenya track and field weekend meeting in Kisii, Gladys Kwamboka believes she can make Team Kenya to the Word Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary in August.
The Kenya Police runner upset experienced Sandra Chebet to win the race in 33:54.05, six seconds clear of Chebet while Miriam Chebet timed 34:09.06 for third.
The two Chebets exchanged the lead in the better part of the race before Kwamboka outsprinted them in the last lap for victory.
“It was a very competitive race. I had to dig deep in the last lap. I trust my finishing kick. Running at home gave me extra motivation. The weather was a bit heavy but I am happy that I beat some top athletes,” she told reporters.
“I’m going to step up preparations ahead of the national trials. My target this year is to compete at the World Athletics Championships in Hungary. I also want to go to the 2024 Paris Olympics.”
Haron Kibet topped the rankings in a five-heat men's 5,000m competition, clocking 12:41.08. Kyumbe Munguti was second in 13:49.7 while Felix Kibet was third in 13:53.03.
Commonwealth 1,500m champion Timothy Cheruiyot, who finished second in his 5,000m heat, said his focus is to reclaim the 1,500m title in Budapest even though, he admitted, competition in the event has intensified.
“ I came here to just work on my endurance,” said Cheruiyot. Another former world champion, Asbel Kiprop did not finish the race.
Rukia Nusra easily stormed the 100m hurdles final in 13.9, followed by Hannah Mwangi in 14.0. Rukia also posted the fastest qualifying time over 100m.
Peter Mwangi reigned supreme in the men’s shot put with a throw of 16.42m. Leonard Bett was second in 15.79m.
Sarah Atieno clinched the women’s shot put with a throw of 12.91 ahead of Monica Njau in 12.46m.
Kisii Governor Simba Arati was the chief guest flanked by Athletics Kenya senior vice chairman Paul Mutwii and AK Nyanza South chairman Peter Angwenyi.
Arati announced plans to rehabilitate Gusii Stadium to international standards. He added that they plan to stage a half marathon race in August and a marathon in December.
“I am happy that AK decided to host this event in Kisii. Kisii has produced pioneer athletes in Kenya and my government will invest in promoting athletics,” said Arati.
The event ends on Saturday.