KISA, YATOR SHINE AT POLICE MEETING: World champion Kiprop also wins as Yego throws 78m

Asbel Kiprop sprints to finish in 1500m finals during the Kenya Police athletics championship at Kasarani stadium on April 23, 2016. [PHOTO:DENNIS OKEYO/STANDARD]

Janet Kisa and Vincent Yator registered double victories as the three-day National Police Service track and field championships ended yesterday at Kasarani Stadium.

Commonwealth 5000m silver medalist Kisa completed won the 5000m and 1500m races in a span of two hours between the events despite strong challenge from youngster Margaret Chelimo who was on her heels in both events.

Kisa timed 16:28.8 to edge out her Chelimo (16:31.3) in 5000m while Nelly Cheptoo clocked 16:36.9 for the third position.

In the 1500m race, Kisa (4:11.3) proved her supremacy against Chelimo (4:11.3) once more.

Despite 26-year old Vincent Yator not anticipating competing in 10,000m and 5000m on the same day, he won the longer race race in 28:15.7 beating 2015 Istanbul Half Marathon champion Joseph Kiptum (28:17.5) while World Indoor bronze medalist Augustine Choge finished third in 28:22.8.

In the 5000m race, Yator (13:43.9) out-sprinted 2013 world bronze medalist Isaiah Kiplangat Koech (13:44.7) with 40m to the line.

With the Olympics on the horizon, World javelin champion Julius Yego was another star attraction in the field events with his 78m throw. The javelin event attracted 18 participants with three men throwing over 60m.

“I did 78m in Eldoret Athletics Kenya meeting, again here. I’m happy, because it’s still early in the season, my shape is coming out well. I will be competing in Ostrava, Eugene and in another small event in Frankfurt in May. By the end of those meets, hopefully, I will be throwing 82m and above,” Yego said.

In the men’s 1500m race, three-time world champion Asbel Kiprop produced a killer kick from the back to finish ahead of the front running duo of Abednego Chesebe and Collins Cheboi.

Kiprop timed 3:40.2 ahead of Chesebe (3:40.6) while Cheboi was third in 3:41.7.

“My preparation is heading in the right direction and I hope to have a good season ahead of the Olympic Games. I’m focusing on Rio, “ Kiprop said.

World silver medalist Elijah Manangoi, widely tipped by running enthusiasts to take over the mantle from Asbel Kiprop in 1,500m, proved too strong for Jeremiah Mutai in 800m .

Manangoi won in 1:45.1 beating Mutai to second place in 1:45.8 while Job Kinyor (1.46.2) came home third.

The men’s 3000m steeplechase was won by Hillary Maiyo (8:40.4).