Benjamin Kiplagat at 2008 Ugandan Champs (© Daniel Senfuma)
2008 World Junior Championships silver medallist Benjamin Kiplagat won the 3000m Steeplechase battle to impress at the two day Ugandan senior championships that ended yesterday (26) at Mandela National Stadium, just 7km away from Ugandan capital of Kampala.
Kiplagat who also owns the Ugandan steeplechase record was the day’s biggest attraction after underlining his intention for an Olympic medal by dipping inside the Beijing Olympics “B” standard with 8:28.8.
Kiplagat had to battle with clubmates Ben Siwa and Simon Ayeko in the first four laps but the duo couldn’t match the pace of Kiplagat in the later stages, and he won easily.
Siwa crossed in second position with 8:39.5 while former national champion Ayeko finished in third place with 8:47.3.
“I did not push hard because I lacked challenge. I was just looking for a win. This race was part of my build up for Beijing,” Kiplagat said after the race.
About his plans for Beijing Olympics: “ I went back to the drawing board after Poland to correct my mistakes. My focus will be to reach finals in the Olympics and see what happens,” said Kiplagat.
Alex Cherop clocked 3:43.3 to win a tightly contested 1500m final beating off Ndejje University’s Benson Kiplagat on the home stretch . Kiplagat counted himself unlucky after leading almost the entire race but let down by a finishing kick that saw him cross the finish with 3:43.8.
The 10,000m title went to Fred Arapsudi with time of 28:46.9 in another race that kept spectators on their toes.
Adero double
Prisons’ Adero Nyakisi completed a two-medal victory in women’s 1500m and 5000m so revenging her earlier defeat by Dorcus Chesang in the Kampala Pan Africa Meeting last month with emphatic runs in 4:27.7 and 15:58.0 times respectively. The two ran together until Adero broke off from the last 200m mark to relegate Chesang to second place.
Ndejje University’s Akello Monica had a convincing victory in 800m in 2:07.6 relegating rival Chekwel Juliet to second position 2:10.7 and Janet Achola, third 2:15.5. Akello took an early lead, upping the pace at half way mark that Chekwel failed to match.
Another Beijing Olympic bound and Uganda’s best 400m sprinter Justine Bayigga opted for 200m which she easily won with 24.0s as part of her build up.
Daniel Senfuma and Namayo Mawerere for IAAF
SELECTED RESULTS:
Men
100m
1. Ali Ngaimoko (Arua) 10.3
2. Nwang Christopher (St.Lawrence) 10.6
3. Wesonga Ivan (St.Lawrence) 10.8
200m
1. Ali Ngaimoko (Arua) 21.7
2. Innya Lazarus (Arua) 21.9
3. Okwera John (Gulu) 22.1
800m
1. Jimmy Adar (Standard ) 1:48.0
2. Benson Kiplagat (Ndejje) 1:49.3
3. Ongiro Cleophas (UPDF) 1:50.0
1500m
1. Cherop Alex (Standard High) 3:43.3
2. Benson Kiplagat (Ndejje) 3:43.8
3. Fredrick Chemonges (UPDF) 3:46.2
3000m SC
1. Benjamin Kiplagat (Standard) 8:28.8
2. Siwa ben (Standard) 8:39.5
3. Simon Ayeko (Standard) 8:47.3
10,000m
1. Fred Arapsudi (Standard) 28:46.9
2. Kiprotich Daniel (Standard) 28:47.8
3. Aliwa Moses (Arua) 28.50.0
Javelin
1. Kibwota Patrick (Ndejje) 64.49
2. Olanya Wilosn (Ndejje) 58.07
3. Ojara Denis (Amuria) 56.41
Women:
100m
1. Nanziri Emilly (KIU) 11.7
2. Oroma Emmanuela (Club C) 12.2
3. Nadunga Samalie (Ndejje) 12.4
200m
1. Justine Bayigga (Police) 24.0
2. Nanziri Emilly (KIU) 24.2
3. Nadunga Samalie (Ndejje) 25.6
400m
1. Nanziri Emilly (KIU) 54.4
2. Lembua Florence (Arua) 57.2
3. Opinia Annet (Arua) 57.7
800m
1. Monica Akello (Ndejje) 2:07.6
2. Chekwel Juliet (Standard) 2:10.7
3. Achola Janet (Prisons) 2:15.5
1500m
1. Adero Nyakisi (Prisons) 4:27.7
2. Chekwel Juliet (Standard) 4:29.9
3. Annet Negesa (Iganga Kings) 4:30.5
5000m
1. Adero Nyakisi (Prisons) 15:58.0
2. Dorcus Chesang (Arua) 16:03.8
3. Chelengat Sylivia (Kapchorwa) 16:24.5
Shot Put
1. Oyella Rose (Ndejje) 11.29
2. Kabasindi Annet (KIU) 10.98
3. Jane Acan (Amuria) 10.85
Javelin
1. Annet Kabasindi (KIU) 48.25
2. Ajok Christine (Pader) 44.95
3. Aber Lucy (Amuria) 44.50
