‘Chairman’ becomes ‘president’ Kiplang’at vows to win gold in Glasgow Commonwealth Games

By JONATHAN KOMEN

Isaiah Kiplang’at of Western on his way to winning 5,000m men’s finals during the Kenya Police Athletics Championship at Safaricom Kasarani Stadium, yesterday. [PHOTO: DENNIS OKEYO/ STANDARD]

World 5,000m bronze medallist Isaiah Kiplang’at arrested his close rivals at the National Police Service Athletics Track and Field Championships.

Former Commonwealth Games 5,000m champion Augustine Choge, who failed to impress at the IAAF World Indoor Championships in Sopot, Poland, last March, also served the reigning World Indoor champion Caleb Mwangangi an equal dose in 1,500m final at the Safaricom Stadium Kasarani yesterday.

Stacy Ndiwa, the 2008 Commonwealth Games Youth 1,500m champion, proved she was no push over as she wore the women’s 1,500m crown.

Hyvine Kiyeng, a versatile 1,500m runner, showed no respect for newcomers Consolata and Veronica Ngososei in the metric mile race.

But Kiplang’at, foundly known as ‘Chairman’ but later changed to ‘President’ from his namesake and Athletics Kenya President Isaiah Kiplagat, was the star attraction as he tore a strong field to shreds, opened a 60-metre as he strolled to men’s 5,000m victory in 13:42.2.

Race quite easy

New catch David Kogei (13:46.4), Chicago Marathon second runner up Sammy Kitwara (13:46.5) and James Kigen (13:48.6) finished second, third and fourth as Kipkemoi Bernard (13:52.0) and Isaac Mukundi (14:01.4) followed.

Kiplang’at, who is based in Western, said: “The race was quite easy for me and that’s why I decided to front run. I want to win gold in 5,000m at the Commonwealth Games. In Moscow last year, I just wanted to finish within medal, which I did. I will rectify a few tactical errors I made in Daegu and Moscow and, hopefully, come out victorious.”

Kiplang’at, a runner from Keringet who basks in an impressive 12:45 all time mark, added: “I want to run 12:43 and see if I can hit 12:37 in near future.”

Choge confident

Choge, who competes for Traffic Unit, went neck and neck with Mwangangi down to the wire to win in 3:35.5. Mwangangi (3:35.8), Abednego Chesebe (3:39.0) and Robert Kaptingei (3:39.3) came in second, third and fourth as world’s third fastest 3,000m steeplechaser runner Paul Kipsiele Koech (3:40.5) finished fifth.

Iten-based Choge said he is on a return to Commonwealth Games bid, having bagged gold in 5,000m in 2006. “I will compete in 1,500m and 3,000m in Diamond League series in Eugene and Hengelo,” he said.

Choge said he’s confident that two-time world 1,500m champion Asbel Kiprop can break the world record in Monaco. In the women’s front, Janet Kisa (4:16.0) carried the 1,500m title ahead of Stacy Ndiwa (4:16.1) and Florence Korir (4:24.9).

Monica Wangare (34:13.7) shone in 10,000m beating Consolata Chemutai (34:22.1) and Sarah Kebasu (34:32.4). Chepng’eno Lang’at (34:44.5) and Mary Chemutai (35:12.4) followed.

Gravce Thoiti (58:09.2) won the 10km walk ahead of Ruth Arete (65:07.8) and Beatrice Karanja (68:57.6).

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