Obiri, Kiprop star: Olympic gold winner and World 1,500m bronze medalist propel their teams in Relays

By GILBERT KOECH

Florence Wasike competes in the 400mx4 Athletics Kenya/ Safaricom Relay at the Kasarani Stadium, yesterday. [PHOTO: DENNIS OKEYO/ STANDARD]

1,500m star Asbel Kiprop and World indoors 1,500m silver medalist Hellen Obiri sparkled in Athletics Kenya Safaricom Relays Series meet at Kasarani yesterday.

Kiprop, who took part in the first edition of the series that was held last February, led his team in 4x1500m event that had Nickson Chebseba, Edwin Kiptoo and James Magut displaying a superb show to win in a time of 14:48.

The final phase will be conducted on April 26 to select a team that will represent the country at the World Relay Championships in Bahamas.

 Kiprop is also keen on Monaco Diamond league event and is yet to decide on Commonwealth Games.

“I am glad to participate in this series hoping to start off my new season well as I focus making World relay in Bahamas,” he told FeverPitch.

In women’s race, Obiri propelled her team of World 800 champion Eunice Sum, Ann Karingi and Margaret Chelimo to a brilliant win in 1500mshow cutting the tape in a time of 17:08.

The airforce lady fresh from winning silver in Poland Indoor World Championship is s also planning to make a team to Commonwealth Games.

Kenya representative in 400m women event in Moscow World Championship Maurine Chelangat was another star attraction winning in a time of 54:4. Grace Kidake followed her in second place timing 55.1 with Jecinta Shikanda in third with a time of 55:9

Morin Thomas won women 200m in a time 24:4, ahead of Sabina Mukoswa who timed 25:1 with Glady’s Musyoki coming third in a time of 25.4.

Strong team

Nairobi County Athletics President Barnabas Korir said he was confident of the performance and look forward for Kenya producing a strong team to Bahamas.

 “We have the potential to produce a strong team for this global event. We have potential of shinning,” he said.

The Bahamas will host the Inaugural IAAF World Relays at the 15,000 seat Thomas A. Robinson Stadium.

Meanwhile, Ethiopian running legend Kenenisa Bekele says he is in shape and hopeful for a win ahead of his hotly-awaited marathon debut on the streets of Paris on Sunday.

“I have a good chance to win because I prepared well. I will run to win, I cannot expect myself to lose,” he told AFP. “I can’t sit, I can’t sleep… it’s the race.”

In September, he defeated Gebreselassie and his track rival Mo Farah in his comeback race at the Great North run — his half marathon debut — outkicking Farah in the final stretch of the 21.1 km.