Kimutai fi ghts hard to win 5,000m as Wanjiru tops in 10,000m

By JONATHAN KOMEN

Nairobi,Kenya: Little-known Silas Kimutai pulled a fast one on the elite, sneaking away with men’s 5,000m title at the fourth National Bank of Kenya/Athletics Kenya track and field meeting at Thika Municipal Stadium.

Kimutai, who finished seventh in the Olympic 5,000m trials, showed little respect for a stellar that had world cross-country veteran Gedion Ng’atuny in the muddy track.

The runner from Baringo County broke away from the forest of legs with 300m as Ng’atuny upstarts Mesha Lehim and Peter Mwololo trailed in hot pursuit.

But he stepped onto the gas pedal on the final stretch to win the race in 14 minutes and 4.05 seconds.

Lehim (14:04.8), Mwololo (14:07.7) and Ngatuny (14:10.8) followed as other newcomers James Murevidhi (14:11.8), Patrick Mathenge (14:14.0) and Stephen Sitiendi (14:15.0) came fifth, sixth and seventh.

• .

  Keep Reading

• 
  Military top shots likely to succeed CDF Ogolla
• 
  Weeping Bishop warns that her battle is fought in promised land
• 
  Ex-MCA and friend linked in Sh30m land fraud
• 
  Former MCA accused of forging father's signature to grab land

Kimutai, 26, said: “The race was tactical since you could slow down on the muddy sections of the track. I am grateful for the win, I want to up my training in preparation for the world championships in Moscow.”

But Ng’atuny, a member of the world cross-country senior team in Mombasa (2007) wanted to use the 5,000m contest in preparation for world championships 10,000m national trials.

The athlete whose name Ng’atuny means “a lion” in his Maasai mother-tongue vowed to stage a gallant comeback .

“I hope to make the national team for the first time. In 2009, I was dropped from the team after I entered Sapporo International Half Marathon in Japan with AK clearance. I hope this won’t happen again,” said Ngatuny.

Rookie Moses Kipkemboi wore the men’s 800m crown in 1:48.5, beating former World Youth 400m bronze medallist Jeremiah Mutai (1:48.9) and Andrew Kiptoo (1:49.4) as Eliud Ruto (1:49.8), Jonathan Kitilit(1:50.3), Bernard Kipyoga (1:51.0) and Fredrick Kirui (1:51.5) came in that order.

George Rono eased to victory in 1,500m in 3:51.8 ahead of John Kariuki (3:54.7) and Josphat Kitii (3:52.0).

Ann Wanjiru carried the women’s 10,000m title in 34:49.0 ahead of Vicoty Chepkemoi (35:.03.8) and Margaret Waithera (35:19.8).

Miriam Muthoni (35:55.0), Lonah Chemutai (36:05.2) and Jane Wanjiru (36:41.7) followed.

Nelly Jepkosgei (2:05.4) led Beatrice Chepkogei (2:10.3) and Nancy Mumbe (2:13.6) in the women’s 800m battle.

Miriam Chepkemoi (2:14.1), Agnes Muli (2:17.0) and Sylvia Cherop (2:17.3) were fourth, fifth and sixth respectively.

Commonwealth Games one-lap race sensation Maureen Chelagat comfortably won 400m contest ahead of Agnes Mueni, Agnes Kangogo and Maureen Mutinda.

Mary Kuria (4:17.2) was too strong for All Africa Games 3,000m steeplechase fourth placed Lucia Chepkurui (4:18.4) and Beatrice Chepkoech (4:20.1) in 1,500m final. Jane Jeptoo (11.55m) won shotput beating Elizabeth Kasina (10.51m) and Jane Wanja (10.37m).