Kimais reigns supreme in women's 10,000m as Wanyonyi shines

Emmanuel Wanyonyi wins 800m men race during during trials for World athletics championships at the Nyayo National stadium on Saturday, July 8, 2023.[Jonah Onyango,Standard]

Irine Kimais ran a smart race in women’s 10,000m, taking the lead inside the final 600m before sealing her ticket to Budapest World Championships at the Kenya trials at Nyayo Stadium on Sunday.

The pack consisting of marathoner Ruth Chepngetich, Rebecca Mwangi, Agnes Jebet, Relin Amanangole slowed down midway through the race, with Jebet moving to the front for the first time.

Kimais followed suit before taking the command of the race in the final 600m to win the race in 31:52.20.

Jebet kept a close eye on Kimais to settle for second placed in 31:52.20.

Amanangole settled for third slot in 31:54.59, however it’s worth noting, Amanangole has not attained the qualification standard.

“Last time I missed out of the World Championships to Eugene after finishing fourth at the trials.

“I feel good that I finally managed to get into the national team,” said Kimais who trains at Two Running Club in Kapsabet.

Jebet, who bagged bronze during this year’s World Cross Country Championships in Australia said she is fired up to take the challenge in Budapest and ensure she delivers a podium finish.

“My target was to be among the top two in the race. I am now going to work hard to make the podium in Budapest,” said Jebet.

In men’s 800m world leader Emmanuel Wanyonyi continued his fine run of the season with victory yesterday.

The former World Under-20 champion cut a dominant figure in the race leading from gun to tape to cross the finish line in 1:44.09

The 2018  World Under-20 Alex Kipngetich Ng’eno came home second to seal the second automatic spot in the team while Olympic silver medalist Ferguson Rotich finished third.

Commonwealth Games champion Wycliffe Kinyamal finished fourth.

“I knew it was going to be very competitive. Last year I missed the podium because of inexperience but I hope I will do well in Budapest. This time I am ready. Expect fireworks in Budapest,” Wanyonyi said.

In the corresponding women race, little-known  Peninah Mutsya surprised the field to win in 1:59.55 ahead of Vivian Chebet who returned  2:00.30.  Naomi Korir was third in 2:00.3. Commonwealth Games champion Mary Moraa did not race yesterday having won the 400m on Friday.