Wanjiru excels

By GILBERT WANDERA

African champion Grace Wanjiru from Moi Air Base (MAB) won the women 20km walk on the second day of the Kenya Defence Forces Athletics Championships at Kasarani.

Wanjiru, who is also the national champion, won in her speciality after a time of 1:37.22 finishing five minutes ahead of second placed Emily Ngii from Nanyuki. At third position was Esther Mangi also from Nanyuki who clocked 1:47.45.

David Kimutai from Nanyuki won the men’s version of the event timed at 1:29.52 ahead of Julius Sawe from Kenya Navy. Sawe clocked 1:34.2. Daniel Pascalui from Moi Air Based finished in third position in a time of 1:35.08.

Two new KDF records were set too. The women pole-vault record of 3.10m was broken by Caroline Cherutich from Kahawa after she jumped 3.15m.

Cherutich improved on her previous record, which she had set three years ago.

Andrew Kiptoo wins 800m race ahead of Jackson Kivuva and Isaac Rogony at Kasarani. [PHOTO: STAFFORD ONDEGO/STANDARD]

Priscilla Wanjiru finished runners-up in the women pole-vault. Wanjiru, from Isiolo, managed a throw of 2.80m with Sharon Kisanyu of Embakasi finishing third with a 2.40m throw.

A new record was also set in the women hammer event where Lucy Omondi from Nanyuki threw 47.27 metres breaking the old mark of 46.36m held by Jacinta Awuor.

Sprints contest

Majority of the finals are scheduled for today. Two of the country’s  top sprinters Mark Mutai and Vincent Mumo will come face to face today in the men’s 200m final.

Mumo from Moi Air Base (MAB) set the stage for an intriguing final by winning his heat in a time of 21.3 seconds while Mutai had finished his heat in a time of 21.4.

Catherine Nandi from Lanet leads the women finalists after finishing her heat in a time of 24.8 ahead of Emily Osiba from Embakasi (25.0) and Mary Tanui from Thika, who clocked 25.3.

The three-day event comes to a close today where the coaches will select the final team to represent KDF in the national championships next month.

Selected results:

Men — 1,500m: James Magut (Navy) 3:43.6, Gideon Gathimba (LAB) 3:44.00 Vincent Leting (Lanet) 3:44.4.  800m:Geoffrey Matum (Isiolo) 1:14.8, Henry Bitok (Isiolo) 1:50.2 and Moses Kipchirir (Nanyuki) 1:50.4. Women — 100m: Emily Osino (Embakasi) 12.4, Lillian Shamala (Kahawa) 12.7, Everlyne Chege (Isiolo) 13.10. 800m: Winnie Chebet (Thika) 2:07.3, Selah Chepleting (Lanet) 2:07.9, Perin Nengempi (MAB) 2:08.5.