By Mutwiri Mutuota for EastStandardInternational runners, local champions and upcoming athletes illuminated first day action of New KCC/AK National Athletics championships at Nyayo Stadium. Despite participtation of athletes who command tens of thousands shillings to watch on the European circuit, turn-out was low. Those who made it to Nyayo yesterday were denied a chance to watch ‘Kenya’s race’ the men’s 3,000m steeplechase.
With Athens Olympic champion, Ezekiel Kemboi, four-time World Athletics Final champion, Paul Kipsiele and African champion Richard Mateelong among top names set to perform, news filtered through the men’s semi-final of the water and barriers race had been struck off the day’s programme. Reports said a line supplying the water barrier with the commodity had been disconnected and efforts by Sports Stadia Management Board (SSMB) to secure an alternative source were beaten by the clock bringing a premature end to day one’s schedule.
Action, however, continued on track and field where world 800m champion, Alfred Kirwa, Africa gold medallist, David Rudisha and Armed Forces winner, Jackson Kivuva won their men’s two-lap heats with consummate ease. Kirwa took his event in 1:48.75 ahead of Eliud Rutto (1:49.17) and Rajab Hussein (1:49.96), while Rudisha won with 1:48.7 as Hosea Kandie (1:48.9) and Enock Omwamba (1:49.5) took second and third. Kivuva triumphed in 1:48.7.
"I changed my running style this season from waiting at the back to attacking from the front after realising I lose so many races in the last 200m when I’m boxed in," Kirwa disclosed. "I came here to experience the championship feeling since Berlin will have heats, semi-finals and final just like this event. Today’s race was not difficult since what was important was to qualify for the next stage," Rudisha said.
World 5,000m silver medallist, Vivian Cheruiyot (4:17.4) and Olympics fourth finisher at the same distance, Sylvia Kibet (4:19.3) won their 1,500m semi-finals that they were using to build-up speed ahead of the July 25 Trials for Berlin.
"I have big hopes for Berlin. For long Ethiopians have been beating us in the last lap but since I beat Meseret Defar (Africa champion) last year, I feel I am getting very close to them," Cheruiyot told reporters.
Beijing 2006 world junior champion, Veronica Nyaruai (Forces) was third in Kibet’s heat with 4:22.2.
Former World Junior 10,000m silver medallist, Joseph Ebuya (13:49.6) beat 2007 World Cross junior race silver winner, Vincent Kiprop (13:49.9) and North Rift’s Philemon Limo (13:50.0) to the podium in the men’s 5,000m first semifinal.
In the other, Police runner, Joseph Kitur (13:40.7) topped teammate Alex Macharia (13:42.0) and Beijing seventh finisher, Thomas Pkemei Longosiwa (Prisons, 13:42.0).
In the sprints, US based second year college student, Anderson Mureta and Armed Forces sensation, Kipkemoi Soi showed glimpses of why they are rated as likely qualifiers for Berlin World Championships.
Mureta (Kenya Police) won his 200m (21.50) and 400m (46.84) heats by blowing away the competition while Soi (Armed Forces) raced clear of rivals in 100m (10.59) and 200m (21.16). Another men’s 400m hopeful, Thomas Musembi (Prisons, 47.79) also won his heat.
The event continues today with the women’s 10,000m final which will be a Trail for Berlin expected to pull most crowds at around 1.15pm.
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