Kiptoo, Chelagat impress at Kenya Prisons Athletics Championships

Runners contest in 1,500m race at Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani, Friday. [PHOTOS: STAFFORD ONDEGO/STANDARD]

By JONATHAN KOMEN

Africa 5,000m bronze medallist Timothy Kiptoo and Commonwealth Games runner Maureen Chelagat were a cut above the rest, winning their specialities at the Kenya Prisons Athletics Championships.

Kiptoo, who posted a brilliant 60.57 in his 21km debut early this month, shook off stiff challenge from veteran Peter Mwololo and upstart Silas Muturi at the prestigious sporting cathedral, Nyayo National Stadium, on Friday.

Chelagat, who doubled 400m flat (52.6) and 400m hurdles (57.7), stood out as she equalled the 3:40.0 prisons national record.

But Olympic 5,000m bronze medallist Thomas Longosiwa, who entered the 1,500m contest to gauge his speed, saw newcomers relegate him to fifth (3:45.1).

The runners produced a superlative showing to wow the sizeable crowds, among them Commissioner General Isaiah Osugo and his deputy Benjamin Njoga, as prisons picked its team to the national trials scheduled for July.

It was particularly sweet victory for the Eldoret-based Kiptoo whose 13:34.0 win erased the prison’s 5,000m record held by Rift Valley’s Jonathan Komen in 13:40.2.

Kiptoo, who did not impress at the last world cross-country championships in Poland, stayed ahead of the leading pack from the second lap with Mwololo, Muturi and new catch Ambrose Bore in tow.

The runner from world’s 3,000m steeplechase heartland of Marakwet stormed into the lead in the third lap and then exchanged the lead with Kipchirchir before charging forward.

The shy-looking runner steadily stepped up the pace, opening a 50-metre gap.

He then approached the bell with a sudden burst of speed to break Kenyan warders’ new 5000m record of 13:34.0.

Mwololo (13:41.5), Muturi (13:48.0) and Ambrose Bore (13:54.5) were second, third and fourth as newcomers John Mureithi (13:59.8) and James Maina (14:02.1) followed.

Kiptoo said: “The strategy worked as planned. My friend Thomas Longosiwa and I had vowed to break the record but he decided to switch to 1,500m at last. I now plan to compete in one Diamond League that I am yet to confirm.”

Little known Kibet Barng’etuny deployed the afterburners with 600m left to win the men’s title in 3:44.0.

Elijah Kipchirchir (3:44.2), Franklin Kiplagat (3:44.2) and Wilfred Kimtai (3:44.5) finished second, third and fourth as Olympic bronze medalist Longosiwa faded to fifth in 3:45.1.

Hosea Chichir (3:45.5), Alex Lang’at (3:46.0) and Titus Tanui (3:46.1) sealed the top-eight spots.

In the women’s front, Chelagat locked up her rivals in 400m hurdles with a 57.7 win ahead of Florence Wasike (60.7) and Ndunge Mudibo (61.5).

Chelagat, who was in the Olympics team in London, won 400m flat in 52.6, beating Lydia Wafula (55.5) and Damaris Imbongo (57.6). Fridah Gacheri (59.2), former World Youth 1,500m champion Nelly Chebet (61.5) and Caroline Chelagat (62.9) followed.

Unknown Tabitha Wambui stunned the 1,500m line up, winning in a prisons’ record of 4:18.0, shattering the Jane Muraguri’s mark of 4:20.0.

Beatrice Chepkoech (4:22.8) and Cecilia Maria (4:23.8) followed.