Chepseba breaks a 13-year-old mark on senior debut, runners get Africa meet nod
The meeting was billed a mini national trials and it did not disappoint as Africa Junior 1,500m silver medallist Nickson Chepseba and Beijing Olympics 1,500m sensation Irene Jelagat Birgen on Saturday qualified for the 17th African Athletics Championships due in Nairobi in July.
The alumnus of athletics-rich St Patrick’s High School-Iten produced a solid run, beating world 3,000m record holder Qatari Saif Shaheen’s (formerly Stephen Cherono) 3:40.6 and Africa 1,500m champion Haroun “Land Cruiser” Keitany (3:41.9) to break a 13-year-old course record of 3:39.2.
“I expected a tough battle. Beating big names means a lot to me,” said Chepseba.
Great achievement
“Breaking the record shows that our runners had relaxed. This is a great achievement,” said Joseph Kibowen, who held the course record and was the first man to win the shorter world cross country 4km race in 1998 in Marrakech, Morocco.
Keitany conceded defeat, saying: “We need fresh blood in the battle against World Indoor 1,500m champion Deresse Mekonnen (Ethiopia), to retain the title.”
But Shaheen said the crowded field of upcoming runners destablised him: “I will be seeking qualifying time for my 3,000m steeplechase in Oslo, Ostrava and Hangelo European circuits. But it is easier for us in Asia to qualify and I will fight it out with them in (the World Cup in Split) Croatia.”
Africa Junior 3,000m steeplechase silver medallist Stephen Kiprotich, another fresh graduate, comfortably won in 8:56.7, 20 seconds shy of the 8:36.0 qualifying mark. Little-known Hillary Yego (9:03.4) and David Kilimo (9:05.9) followed.
Pupil was fourth
Uganda’s Moses Kibet (13:47.6) won the 5,000m. World Youth 3,000m champion Isaiah Kiplang’at (13:47.9), Abraham Kiplimo (13:49.3) and pupil Abraham Bertum (13:56.3) followed. Hillary Tuwei (1:43.3) won the 800m, beating Anthony Chemut (1:48.3) and Abraham Sawe (1:48.6).
Olympic and World Championships 1,500m finalist Irene Jelagat ruled the women’s four laps in 4:15.8, to dip under the 4:21.0 qualifying mark, beating Nancy Jepkemboi (4:25.5) and Caroline Jepkoech (4:26.6). Eunice Sum (2;08.3), Hilda Mneria (2:10.4) and Sheila Chesang (2:11.9) shone in 800m and Beatrice Kibor (10:52.8), Veronicah Jepkosgei (10:57.3) Meryline Ondieki (11:04.5) in steeplechase.
Eric Malemo (14:0 metres) won in shot putt, Emmy Tanui (26.59m) discus, Newton Rotich (15.56m) triple jump and Emily Cherotich (4.39) long jump.
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