Lilian Odira celebrates her 800m win at the Kenyan Championships (© Sylvia Abigael Wafula)
Lilian Odira, Timothy Cheruiyot and Wyclife Kinyamal stamped their authority with dominant displays as the Kenyan Championships culminated on Saturday (20) at the Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi.
The three-day event also served as the selection trials for Kenya’s team to the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.
In the women’s 800m, world champion Odira signalled her intent from the gun and executed her race to perfection, storming to victory in 2:00.44. Naomi Korir followed in second place in 2:00.85, while Janet Amimo rounded off the podium in 2:01.13.
Odira expressed delight at claiming victory, while acknowledging the increasingly fast times in the women’s 800m.
“The competition was stiff because you can never underestimate any opponent,” she said. “I implemented my tactics well because I wanted to defend my title. My first aim was to make the Commonwealth Games team, and then we move forward from here.
“I was happy when (Audrey) Werro broke the 1:54 barrier. It showed us that it is possible and now that the door has been opened, everyone can manage to make it.”
Werro recently became the first woman in 43 years to dip under 1:54, clocking 1:53.98 at the Bauhaus-Galan Wanda Diamond League meeting in Stockholm.
The men’s race in Nairobi also produced a thrilling finish, Kinyamal holding on to edge out Kelvin Loti. The two-time Commonwealth Games champion clocked 1:44.58, narrowly beating Loti (1:44.62). Nicholas Kiplagat completed the podium in 1:45.18.
“I had not trained for two weeks because I’ve been experiencing issues with my back,” said Kinyamal. “I approached this race with a lot of caution, and I believe I won this race because of my experience.”
Cheruiyot lights up the 1500m
Timothy Cheruiyot signalled his return to top form with a sensational 1500m victory. The 2019 world champion stormed to the title in 3:32.28, holding off world bronze medallist Reynold Cheruiyot, who finished second in 3:32.35, while Brian Komen claimed third place in 3:32.60.
Cheruiyot came into the championships on the back of an impressive performance at the Oslo Bislett Games, where he won the men’s mile in 3:48.21.
“The competition was so strong, but I came here believing in myself, and I got the win,” he said. “The season has been great so far, and I’m glad that I’m injury-free and my body is responding well in training.”
Cheruiyot got 1500m silver at the 2018 and 2022 Commonwealth Games and hopes to go one place better at this year’s event.
Timothy Cheruiyot at the Kenyan Championships (© Sylvia Abigael Wafula)
The women’s 1500m was equally thrilling, with 800m runner-up Naomi Korir storming to victory in 4:08.57 ahead of Teresia Muthoni Gateri in 4:09.60. Rosemary Longisa completed the podium in 4:10.01.
In the men’s 3000m steeplechase, Simon Koech delivered a commanding performance to take top honours in 8:16.59. World U20 champion Edmund Serem settled for second in 8:20.37, while Leonard Bett finished third in 8:24.13.
Celestine Biwot also made a mark in the women’s race, cruising to victory in 9:26.12. Joyce Biwott claimed second place in 9:33.77, just ahead of Anatasha Langat (9:33.80).
Boston Marathon runner-up Loice Chemnung triumphed in the women’s 10,000m, while the men’s 10,000m was contested in two heats, 2023 world U20 cross-country champion Ishmael Kipkurui winning the first in 28:28.42 and Charles Kiboioni the second in 28:21.52.
In the 5000m, Mathew Kipsang claimed victory in the men’s race in 13:45.37, while Nancy Jepkemoi dominated the women’s event in 15:13.72.
“Starting my season with the Diamond Leagues set me up very well for my victory today,” said Kipsang. “I also enjoy competing in the cross country because of the obstacles and the toughness that builds my endurance.
“I want to win a medal when I go for the Commonwealth Games. Hopefully a gold medal.”
Oketch headlines sprints
The sprint events also delivered standout performances, with Mercy Oketch powering to victory in the women’s 400m in 51.14. Kelvin Tonui dominated the men’s race, winning comfortably in 44.77.
In the 200m, Zablon Ekwam successfully defended his title in 20.82, while Millicent Ndoro got victory in the women’s event in 23.22. Ndoro achieved a sprint double as she also won the 100m in 11.40, while Africa’s fastest man, Ferdinand Omanyala, lived up to expectations in the men’s race, winning in 10.00 ahead of Meshack Babu (10.20).
The 100m hurdles went to Gladys Ngure (14.47), while Jason Ogega won the 110m hurdles (14.77). Kipkorir Rotich (49.53) and Vanice Kerubo Nyagisera (57.04) clinched the 400m hurdles crowns.
Sylvia Abigael Wafula for World Athletics
Kenyan team for the Commonwealth Games
Women
100m: Millicent Ndoro
400m: Mercy Chebet, Nancy Jepkosgei, Mercy Oketch
800m: Janet Jepkemoi Amimo, Vivian Chebet, Lilian Odira
Mile: Teresiah Muthoni Gateri, Naomi Korir, Rosemary Longisa
5000m: Rebecca Mwangi, Caroline Nyaga
10,000m: Miriam Chebet, Diana Wanza
100m hurdles: Rukia Nusra Omulisia
400m hurdles: Vanice Kerubo Nyagisera
3000m steeplechase: Celestine Biwot, Faith Cherotich
Long jump: Faith Kipsang Jepkemboi
Shot put: Belinda Adhiambo Oburu
Javelin: Irene Jepkemboi
10,000m race walk: Sylvia Jerono Kemboi
Men
100m: Meshack Babu, Ferdinand Omanyala, Mark Otieno
200m: Zablon Ekwam, Elkana Kiprotich Sabila
400m: George Mutinda, Boniface Mweresa, Kelvin Tonui
800m: Wyclife Kinyamal, Nicholas Kiplagat, Kelvin Kimtai Loti
Mile: Reynold Cheruiyot, Timothy Cheruiyot, Brian Komen
5000m: Andrew Kiptoo Alamisi, Cornelius Kibet Kemboi, Mathew Kipchumba Kipsang
10,000m: Daniel Ebenyo, Ishmael Rokitto Kipkurui, Edwin Kipkosgei Kurgat
400m hurdles: Kipkorir Rotich
3000m steeplechase: Leonard Kipkemoi Bett, Simon Koech, Edmund Serem
High jump: Asbel Kiprop Kemboi
Triple jump: Kevin Kiprono Kemboi
Hammer: Dominic Ongidi Abunda
Javelin: Julius Yego
10,000m race walk: Stephen Ndangiri Kihu
Decathlon: Edwin Too
4x100m: Meshack Babu, Zablon Ekwam, Ferdinand Omanyala, Mark Otieno, Elkana Kiprotich Sabila
Mixed
4x400m: Mercy Chebet, Nancy Jepkosgei, Mercy Oketch, George Mutinda, Boniface Mweresa, Kelvin Tonoui
