Athletics: Obiri stars at KDF meeting

Hellen Obiri and Joycline Jepkosgey competes in women's 5000m finals during KDF championship at Nyayo Stadium on May 9, 2017. [DENNIS OKEYO, STANDARD]

Olympic silver medalist Hellen Obiri was undoubtedly the star attraction in the women’s 5,000m final as newcomer Peter Muindi upset established order to win men’s 10,000m final during Day One of the Kenya Defence Forces meeting yesterday at Nyayo Stadium.

The 27-year-old Obiri, who successfully defended her KDF title, clocked 15:43.2 to beat a strong field that included reigning World Half Marathon Joycline Jepkosgey of Moi Airbase, former KDF champion Veronica Nyaruai (Laikipia Airbase), Africa Championship champion Sheila Chepkirui (Thika) and Pauline Korikwiang of Moi Airbase.

Nyaruai was second after 15:50.6 followed by Jepkosgey who clocked 15:54.9. Former world junior champion Korikwiang was ninth in 17.01.3.

“I’m fully concentrating on 5,000m and my target is a podium finish at the World Championships in London later this year. I’m ready for  Ethiopia's Almaz. It’s unfortunate she will not be in the Shanghai Diamond League this weekend where I will compete in 5,000m” said Obiri, who is leaving for Shanghai today afternoon.

In the 10,000m final, Muindi, representing Embakasi, proved a dominant force when he took the lead from Leonard Oloitiptip of Laikipia Airbase, to win in 29:20.7.

Oloitiptip clocked 29:28.4 to finish second ahead of the guest runner Fredrick Muranga (29:28.1). [Dennis Okeyo]