Koros sets sights higher after double victory at KDF meet

Just a year after switching events from middle to distance running, Kahawa Barracks’ Collins Koros claimed the 10000m and 5000m races respectively as curtains fell on the three-day Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Athletics Championships at Nyayo Stadium yesterday.

Koros capitalised on the absence of pre-race favourite Kibiwott Kandie to claim men’s 10,000m race on day one before winning men’s 5000m yesterday ahead of the national Olympics trials slated for June 17-19 at Kasarani Stadium. 

The 28-year-old Koros registered 13:39.5 to narrowly beat 2005 World Youth Championship gold medallist Abel Mutai, who clocked 13:39.6. Vedic Cheruiyot from Mtongwe, who finished sixth in men’s 10000m on Monday, settled for bronze in 13:47.7.

“I’m satisfied with my performance in the two events I have competed in considering I don’t have much experience in distance running,” said Koros after his impressive victories. 

Thika’s Winny Chebet stamped her authority in women’s 800m event, racing to victory in 4:08.4. Judy Kiyeng was third in 4:09.1 ahead of experienced Sellah Jepleting, who clocked 4:09.9. 

Chebet, the Africa and Intercontinental 1500m Champion, said she used the three-day meet to test her speed-work ahead of Diamond League meeting in Doha next week where she will participate in women’s 3000m.

Chebet also won 800m finals in 2:06.6 ahead of Jarinter Mawia (2:07.7) and Vivian (2:08.4).

Irene Kimais defended her 10000m women’s title in 32.01.9 while Joyce Chepkemoi, who crossed the line in 32:12.7 and former World Half Marathon record holder Joyciline Jepkosgei (32:23.3), finished second and third respectively. 

In men’s 1500m, World Under20 champion George Manangoi, running for Mtongwe, settled for silver after being beaten by Charles Simotwo.

Simotwo timed 3:46.8 while Manangoi was second in 3:46.9 with Mathew Kipsang closing the podium in 3:47.0.

In the field events, the notable performance was from the 2020 World Athletics Continental Tour’s Kip Keino Classic javelin champion Alexander Kiprotich of Embakasi, who hauled 75.42m to retain his KDF javelin title. Nelson Yegon finished second in 66.16m.

Thika’s Matthew Sawe won his sixth consecutive time high jump after producing his season’s best 2.25m in the men’s final.

Asbel Kiprop from Gilgil scaled 2.15m to finish second followed by Nicanor Cheruiyot from Thika with 2.05m.