Manangoi, Chepkoech to lead police top guns

Police's Beatrice Chepkoech strides in 3000meters Steeple Chase women finalist during Athletics Kenya National Trials held at Kasarani stadium on June 23, 2018. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Big guns set to roll as National Police Service athletics championships set for a three-day epic battle at Kasarani Stadium on July 11-13.

World 1500m champion Elijah Manangoi, world steeplechase record-holder Beatrice Chepkoech, the 2015 world javelin champion Julius Yego, 2015 world champion Hyvin Kiyeng will spearhead the mouth-watering clashes at meet which has over the years witnessed tough competition with a sizeable number of athletes making the national team.

“It’s always great to come back and run for my Presidential Escort unit, as usual I know the competition will be epic, everyone will be seeking tickets for the national championships. I know other discipline forces, as well as civilian runners especially from rifts, will be also sending every strong team,” said Manangoi who seeking defend his 800m police title.

Manangoi’s season has so far posted mixed results winning Diamond League opener in Doha in May, before losing in Stockholm and Eugene.   

Policewomen quartet of Millicent Ndoro, Eunice Kadogo, Freshia Mwangi, Joan Cherono that bag silver medal in 4x100m at the 2018 African Athletics Championships in Asaba, Nigera will all be in action as well also promising Diana Chebet.

“I know the competition will definitely high but I had good preparations and I will be competing in 200 metres and long jump,” said Ndoro who is coached by Bernard Ouma his Rongai Athletics Club.

Distance running will have Geoffrey Kamworor, Vincent Yator, Josephat Bett in men’s 10,000m among others.

Women’s distance will feature Janet Khisa who is making a return from maternity, 2015 All African Games 5000m champion Margaret Chelimo, and Mercy Cherono is also expected to continue with her comeback from maternity.

Cherono, the 2013 world 5000m silver medallist  said in an earlier interview with Standard Sports; “If all things go to plan I will make my international race comeback appearance at Doha World Championship,”

Last week the police meet received a major boost of one million shillings from lottery gaming Lotto Foundation.

National Police Service head coach Isaac Kirwa expects the highest level of competition. “Being world championships year, the level of competition will be higher than previously because athletes want tickets to the national championship where the national team will be picked to represent the country in the world championships in Doha.”

Kirwa added: “All our stars including world record holder Chepkoech, Manangoi among others will be available at the three days championships.”