Kenya's Obiri, Cheptai to fly 10000m flag

KDF's Hellen Obiri winning 10000m race during the Athletics Kenya trials for the Tokyo Olympic Games at The Moi International Sports Stadium, Kasarani, June 18, 2021. [Jonah Onyango, The Standard]

Olympic 5000m silver medalist Hellen Obiri and 2017 World Cross Country champion Irene Jebet Cheptai were too good for their challengers as they led 1-2 in 10000m inside Kasarani Stadium on Saturday.

Despite the high elevation and hot weather conditions, Obiri stopped the timer at 30:53.6.

Cheptai came second as world marathon record holder Brigid Kosgei came third.

Obiri said: "We have a strong team and I hope we will beat our rivals."

Hellen Obiri leading during the national trials for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games at The Moi International Sports Stadium, Kasarani, June 19, 2021. [Jonah Onyango, The Standard]