Obiri, Cherono highlight KDF championships

World Championships medallists Hellen Obiri and Gladys Cherono stamped their authority by winning their respective races as Kenya Defence Forces Athletics Championships at Safaricom Stadium, Kasarani, on Thursday.

Fresh from setting a new 3,000m Africa record (8:20.68) at the Doha Diamond League on Friday, Obiri strode to a double, bagging the 1,500m and 800m titles at an event that was graced by Chief of the Defence Forces General Julius Karangi.

Representing Laikipia Air Base (LAB), Obiri, who won bronze in 1,500m at the 2013 Moscow World Championships, was in top form, clinching victory in the 800m race in a time of 2:00.6 seconds.

She was followed by the up-and-coming Selah Jepleting (Lanet) 2:04.4, and Frida Mwikali (Embakasi), who finished third in 2:05.1.

Obiri then went for victory in the metric mile race in a time of 4:10.0 to once again relegate Jepleting to silver medal in 4:15.0 while Perin Nenkampi (MAB) settled for third place in 4:16.6.

WORLD RELAYS

Obiri, the 2012 World Indoor 3,000m champion, and Nenkampi are in the 4x1500m Kenyan team for the World Relays due May 24 to 25 in Nassau, Bahamas.

“I thank God for the good shape I am currently enjoying. I am fully focussed on the World Relays after which I will see what happens before the Commonwealth Games,” said Obiri, who won silver in 3,000m at the 2014 World Indoor Championships in March.

Cherono (Kahawa), the World 10,00m silver medallist, who is also the World Half marathon champion, wrapped up a double by retaining the 10,000m just two days after she won the 5,000m title.

Cherono won the 25 lap race in 34:13.0 to confine 2012 Boston Marathon champion Sharon Cherop (Isiolo) 34:16.0 and 2013 Rotterdam Marathon Jemimah Jelagat (MAB) 34:18.4 to second and third places respectively.

The 2012 London Olympics bronze medallist, Abel Mutai (Thika), who is also the Africa champion, won the men’s 3,000m steeplechase in 8:35.0, Edwin Kemboi (Thika) claimed men’s 800m race in 1:45.5 while James Magut triumphed in the men’s 1,500m in 3:40.4.

STAR-STUDDED FIELD

Meanwhile, an array of international athletes will parade at the Kenya Police Service Athletics Championships starting Friday at Safaricom Stadium, Kasarani.

The fastest man in marathon, Geoffrey Mutai (3:03:02), will go against a star-studded field, including fellow marathoners Bernard Kipyego and Lucas Rotich, when he attempts to defend his 10,000m title. Also in the race is Titus Mbishei.

Former World 10,000m champion Linet Masai will make a comeback in women’s 5,000m final with Edith Chelimo and Janeth Kisaset set to feature in women’s10,000m final.

The 4x400m Kenya team trio of Boniface Mucheru (Nayuki) 45.2, Mark Mutai (MAB) 46.3 and Solomon Bwoga (Mtongwe) 46.5 claimed podium places in men’s 400m while Rose Cherono (MAB) 54.6 took the women’s 400m honours.

Walter Moenga (Thika) 10.3 won men’s 100m race while Safina Mukoswa (MAB) 12.42 called the shots in women’s race.

“I believe we have a strong team that will not only win gold in Nassau but also break the world record once again,” said Obiri.

Other members of the 4x1500m women’s relay team are World 5,000m silver medallist Mercy Cherono, 2012 World Junior 1,500m champion Faith Chepng’etich, Irene Jelagat and Ann Karindi.