Athletics: Aprot steals show at national meeting

Aprot shows might in national meeting

Alice Aprot on her way to win women's 10000m finals during the AK National Championship Championship at Kasarani Stadium on May 26, 2016.[PHOTO:DENNIS OKEYO/STANDARD]

Kenya Prison’s Alice Aprot displayed her usual style of  front running to win the women’s 10,000m as the National Athletics Championship entered day two at Nyayo Stadium yesterday.

Aprot who lost her father three weeks ago, took the lead with ten laps to go winning the race in 31:40.1. Priscalia Jepkorir finished second in 32:10.6 while World Half Marathon record holder Joyceline Jepkosgey of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF), settled for third position.

“I have only trained twice since my father passed on. It really affected me but I have the endurance and what I am lacking now is the speed which I hope to work on before the trials,” said Aprot after her victory.

In other events four-time World champion Asbel Kiprop of Kenya Police Service and Prison’s Timothy Cheruiyot booked their place in the 1,500m finals clocking 3:44:2 and 3:44:6. Others in the final are Justus Soget representing Central Rift and Charles Simotwo of KDF.

In the women race, Beatrice Chepkoech (4:17.4) of Kenya Police Service will be eyeing a national crown when she lines against KDF duo Judy Kiyeng (4:16:9) and the experienced Sela Jepleting (4:19.0).

A battle royal is expected in men’s 100m finals when Ferdinand Omanyala (10.1) representing Kenya Prisons Service, Eastern Region’s Mark Otieno (10.1) and Maurice Wasike (10.1) of KDF do battle.

In the men’s 400m heats, the usual suspects Boniface Mweresa, Alphas Kishoyian, Joseph Porghiso, Geoffrey Kiprotich, Collins Omae and Said Ruto all booked slots in the finals.

In the men’s 3000m steeplechase, Joash Kiplimo (8:35.0) of Kenya Prisons beat Silas Kitum (8:35.5) of North Rift in the semi-final one while Festus Rono of North Rift won the second semi in 8:35:9.

Commonwealth Games steeplechase silver medallist Abel Mutai of KDF finished second in 8:35.2. The championships end today at the same venue. [Denis Okeyo]