Olympic 5000m champion considers doubling at World Championships in Doha.
Once again, world 5000m champion Hellen Obiri delivered another comprehensive victory in claiming her fourth Kenya Defence Forces Cross Country Championships title at Kahawa Garisson yesterday.
The 29-year-old, showed her intention of winning by storming ahead in the first 2km lap with cross country regular Perine Nengampi sticking with her for the first 4km.
However, the going got tough for Nengampi as she was passed by newcomers Irene Kimais and Deborah Samum.
The Ngong-based Obiri representing Laikipia Airbase covered the 10km women race in 32:19.5 followed by Kimais who clocked 33:01.6 with Samum turning in 33:34.3.
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Speaking after the race, Obiri noted the lack of high competition within KDF is what makes her a dominant figure.
She also hinted at doubling in 10,000m and 5000m races at World Championships in Doha later in the year.
“The race was very easy for me, honestly I didn’t get tough opponents that’s why it was easy race for me,” Obiri said.
“I’m looking forward to make the Kenyan team to Aarhus, Denmark for the World Cross Country Championships, but first I have to get past the trials which is very competitive and unpredictable.
“I will be glad to make it to the team and win a World Cross title, which is the only medal missing in my cabinet.”
She added: “I will be defending my title too in Doha, I am also thinking of doubling, but I will have to run one or two 10,000m races on track to get the qualification time.”
Kimais, 21, a second place finished at the 2018 Nairobi Standard Chartered 21km was running in her first KDF meet having joined the forces last year.
“The race was okay despite the hot weather conditions.
“I am still inexperienced in cross country so I’m happy with my with performance today, ” said Kimais, who is coached by Claudio Berardelli in Kapsabet.
World half marathon record holder Joyciline Jepkosgei failed to finish the race after dropping out with two laps to go.
By contrast, the men’s contest was only decided in the closing stages with Kandie Kibiwott, Vedic Cheruiyot and Lawi Kosgei exchanging the lead for most part of the race.
With 500m to the tape, Ngong-based Kibiwott produced a strong sprint successfully winning his first KDF title in 28:55.7 while Kosgei finished second in 29:07.4 with Cheruiyot closing the podium in 29:03.7.
“I’m glad to win my first KDF race, now my next target is to finish among the top at the national trials and make the team to the World Cross Country in Denmark,” Kibiwott said.
