Salome Chepkirui shines at Rift Valley Athletics Championships

Damaris Areba leads her rivals in the senior women's race during the Nyanza South cross country championships at Kehancha town in Migori on Sunday, February 10, 2019 [Sammy Omingo, Standard]

Salome Chepkirui of Kericho clocked 13min 03.00secs to win the women’s 3000m steeplechase on the second day of the Rift Valley Teachers Training Colleges Athletics Championships at Tambach Teachers Training Colleges yesterday.

Chepkirui, who has now booked a ticket to the National Championships in Eregi TTC next week was followed by Sarah Masai of Tambach (13:21.00) and Joan Jepchirchir of Kericho (13:34.00).

Joash Kipyego of Mosoriot was made to fight before beating his closest opponent by six seconds to win the men’s 1500m in 4min 06.00 ahead of Dismas Murkomen of Tambach (4:12.00) and Thomas Ongayo (4min15.00secs) of Moi TTC-Baringo.

Kenya Teachers Training Colleges Sports Organization Rift Valley branch Secretary General Duncan Okwaro said he was confident of selecting a formidable squad for the National Championships.

“Going by the time registered in different races and field events this afternoon shows we are capable of pulling some upsets at the National Championships,” Okwaro told Standard Sports.

In the men’s 10,000m walk race, Daniel Mayabi of Kericho chested the tape ahead of Komen Kipruto of Mosoriot and Isaac Khalwenge of Chesta.

In the men’s field events, Amon Korir lifted the discus title with a throw of 29.27m ahead of Emmanuel Tepamuk of Chesta (28.46m) and Henry Tum of Tambach (26.27m).

Alice Kimaiyo of Tambach threw 7.87m to win the women’s shot put with Jackeline Nabaiyo of Kericho (7.81m0 placing second. In the women’s sprints, Linet Wanjiru of Mosoriot 100m in 13.62secs ahead of Patience Chelagat of Moi TTC, Baringo (13.88). The finals of the competition will be held this morning.