Chepngetich rule the roost in Kapsabet
Janeth Chepngetich delivered a commanding display to win the women’s 10,000m at the Athletics Kenya 3rd and Final Open Track and Field Weekend Meet at the Eliud Kipchoge Complex Stadium, clocking 34:36.9.
Chepngetich produced a strong finishing kick to outpace Maurine Chebor (34:38.0) and Marion Kibor (34:44.8) in a tightly contested race that went down to the wire.
Despite the resounding triumph, the 28-year-old admitted victory had not been part of her script.
“I did not expect to win today. The conditions were a bit tough but God helped me and I am happy I won,” she said.
Having laid down an early-season marker on the track, Chepngetich is now shifting focus to the roads, with the Lisbon Half Marathon on March 8 next on her schedule.
“My next race will be Lisbon Half Marathon,” she added.
Chebor, meanwhile, was upbeat after her runner-up finish.
“I am glad I was able to finish second today. Last year, I also finished second on this track. I thank my coaches and the Administration Police for their support,” she said.
Kibor, who completed the podium, also drew positives from her performance.
“My training before the race was good and I am happy with my performance,” she noted.
Beyond the distance events, the field competitions lit up the infield with a series of powerful throws and explosive jumps.
In the women’s discus, Caroline Cherotich dominated with a throw of 47.24m to claim top honours ahead of Roseline Rakamba (43.90m) and Irene Akifuma (43.22m).
Caleb Chepkwony mirrored that authority in the men’s contest, heaving the discus to 49.25m to finish ahead of Nathan Kibiwot (47.60m) and Johnaris Cheruiyot (47.17m).
The sandpit witnessed its own fireworks in the long jump as Priscilla Tabunda soared to 5.62m to clinch victory in the women’s event, with Gloria Mulei (5.52m) and Idah Jepkorir (5.34m) taking second and third respectively.
In the men’s competition, Isaac Kimunu reigned supreme with a 7.53m leap, edging out Edwin Too (7.37m) and Amos Mwendwa (7.15m).
Moureen Wafula cleared 1.60m to win thebvb women’s high jump, while Margaret Kingi (1.55m) and Gloria Jebet (1.50m) followed in her wake.
