Kibor stuns, Wanjiru qualifies for London Worlds

Marion kibor on her way to win 3000m women steeplechase during KDF championship at Nyayo Stadium on May10, 2017. [DENNIS OKEYO, STANDARD]

Little-known Marion Kibor upstaged a quality 3,000m steeplechase line-up on the second day of the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Championships at Nyayo Stadium yesterday.

Olympic 400m silver medallist Boniface Mweresa oozed pure class as he picked his 400m flat slot in today's final without much fuss.

Olympian Grace Wanjiru proved her experience in the 20km walk was no mean feat as she tore the field to shreds in her specialty.

It was particularly sweet victory for Kibor, who reclaimed her 2015 KDF crown in the water and barriers race.

Kibor, who is based at the Kahawa Barracks, stormed into the lead in the second lap and toyed around the field to stop the timer in 9:56.6.

Laikipia-based Mercy Wanjiku, the 2010 Commonwealth Games silver medalist, was second in 10:07.0 ahead of Elizabeth Mueni (10:23.0) of Moi Airbase, who has a personal best of 9:33.49 set in Oslo in 2009.

But walker Grace Wanjiru produced a pulse-racing show as she chalked up victory in 1:34.15 ahead of Linda Waweru of Kahawa and Ruth Wangui of Laikipia Airbase.

Wanjiru, who has made a seven-stab at Africa contests, staged a good show that saw her hit qualifying marks for the 16th IAAF World Athletics Championships in London from August 4-12. Her 1:34.15 winning time surpassed the 1:36.00 qualifying standards.

"I'm happy to make the London time. I had to keep up with men runners while training. My women opponents were somehow weak," said Wanjiru.

Mary Tanui won the 100m final ahead of Roselyne Indimuli and Sabina Mukosya.