Kenyan stars turn their guns to Diamond League Monaco after ‘Impossible Games’ experience on Thursday.

The revised diamond league series calendar will start in August after coronavirus pandemic had stopped sporting events globally. 

Competing against Ingebrigtsen brothers, Team Cheruiyot led by world 1500m champion Timothy Cherioyot, 2017 world 1500m champion Elijah Manangoi, 2012 world 1500m silver medalist Edwin Melly, paced by Africa junior Champion Vincent Keter and Timothy Sein lost the 2000m exhibition virtual on Thursday, an event held in Nairobi in Nairobi and Oslo, Norway.

Running under wet and windy  condition coupled with Nairobi’s  high altitude of 1700m above the see level, Cheruiyot 5:03.05 to led his charges, with Melly (5:13.12) finishing second ahead of Manangoi (5:18.63) who is making a comeback from ankle stress fracture injury that prevented him from defending his title in Doha worlds last year.

“The conditions didn’t favor us as a team but we appreciate the opportunity given to us by Oslo Diamond League organizers during this pandemic period and the effort of the entire team. This was our first virtual race, we appreciate the experience.”

“We congratulates to Jakob and his team and wish them all the best in the track in the coming season, we hope to compete again soon”said Cheriuyot in a post race interview. 

He added: “We don’t have time for recovery, we were using this virtual race as part of our preparations for upcoming Diamond League races starting, with hopes of competing at Monaco Diamond League in August, we will still do social distancing training until the lockdown is eased.”

The Ingebrigtsens, Jakob, Filip and Henrik  were competing under favorable conditions, running at a low attitude of 23m above see and aided by  wavelight pacing technology and two pacemakers. 

Wavelight is a series of lights circling the inside of lane 1 on the rail that moves at the correct pace.

Jakob broke the European record with his 4:50.01 victory, a record previously held by Steve Cram at 4:51.39. Cram commentated the race. 

Henrik was second in 4:53.72 while Filip clocked 4:56.91 in third place.

During the the race Team Cheruiyot recorded splits  of 2minutes 57 seconds 15 microseconds at 1200m while  Team Ingebrigtsens timesd 2:57.60 at the same distance. 

Cheruiyot then went through 1600m in 4:01.04 while Jakob ran 3:55.85. 

The virtual race at Nyayo stadium, Nairobi was attended by Sports CS Amina Mohammed, Sports PS Joe Okudo, Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei, Sports Kenya chairman Fred Muteti among few others. 

Athletics Kenya 

Media & Communications

Athletics Kenya (AK) Athletes Conference entered Day 2 at Sirikwa Hotel with athletes going through investment and retirement sessions besides taxation.

The 170 athletes also went through media and athletes relation that touched on self-branding and etiquette and team building as all the session proved exciting.

Around 108 road running athletes drawn from Kenya and Uganda had on the first day on Wednesday attended the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) education program.

AK president Jackson Tuwei disclosed that they are in the process of forming an athletes’ welfare body that will help both   active and retired athletes. 

Legendary Kipchoge Keino advised the athletes to keep off drugs adding that there are hlcases where athletes have been rendered barren, owing to abuse of prohibited substances.

Tuwei said they have conducted intensive research and analysis on pension, endowment fund, insurance and cooperative societies (Saccos) and they feel its a high time the athletes had a body to take care of these needs.

However, Tuwei said the idea of forming the welfare body will be floated to the athletes during the ongoing conference so as to get their views.

“We have set aside a special session to introduce them to this idea and hopefully, we shall come up with resolutions on how we can assist them in terms of welfare,” said Tuwei. “We must start something that will assist these athletes now and in the future.”

While AK has taken up the responsibility, Tuwei said it’s the athletes’ involvement that will make the whole venture a success hence team work will be greatly needed.

Tuwei said Athletics Kenya will be the first to contribute to the welfare with government also being encouraged to join the venture.

Taking athletes through his experience as an athlete, Kipchoge said his athletics talent took him to 187 countries across the world. “We have the best weather in the country…Kenya is a paradise hence we must take advantage. Use your talent to travel and see the world,” said Keino but cautioned the athletes to run clean.

Among the facilitators were Ali Mazoa, who handled the team building exercises and talk, CPF Group finance manager Joshua Moilo and director of operations and marketing George Okioma, who handled investment and retirement.

Others were Stanley Nandwa who took the athletes through taxation and filing returns and veteran journalist Evelyne Watta, who handled media and athletes relation.

 “Athletes face certain challenges in filing tax returns and contracts. They are now more informed to avoid issues of double taxation. We hope to have minimal cases or none on contracts,” said Tuwei.

Tuwei said that AK has free legal services for  athletes who require guidance on contracts. “Most athletes have had trouble especially with their management after they signed contracts they didn’t understand,” explained Tuwei.

Athletics Kenya

Media & Communications

Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) and Athletics Kenya have declared the launch of the 2020 Road Running Integrity Program in Eldoret a resounding success.

AIU’s head of programs Thomas Capdevielle disclosed yesterday that the large turnout of over 100 athletes and 21 of their handlers proves that Kenya is serious about fighting the doping menace.

“I have never been to such a session that is full with some of the world’s finest long-distance runners including world and Olympic champions. This is unique and amazing. It’s my hope that athletes will take advantage of what they have learned to spread the message of clean sports,” said Capdevielle.

AK chief executive Officer, Susan Kamau disclosed that athletes are happy about the sessions. “These is the first time are having a session with all elite road runners. They want more of these sessions hence we shall have consultations with AIU to have similar next year,” said Kamau.

Capdevielle said they came up with the initiative after extensive analysis of road running and discovered that 76 per cent of 50 road race winners in World Athletics Gold Label races were not part of any out-of-competition anti-doping programme in 2018.

World marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge, who is also the Olympic Marathon champion, World marathon champion Ruth Chepng’etich and World Half Marathon champion Geoffrey Kamworor were in praise of the AIU initiative.

Also in support were mixed women’s World Marathon record holder Brigid Jepkosgei, all women’s World record holder Mary Keitany, Olympic 5,000m champion Vivian Cheruiyot and World 800m record holder David Rudisha.

“This one was quite unique with the classwork sessions being spiced up with team building,” said Kipchoge adding that there is now no reason why athletes have to dope under the pretext that they didn’t have the knowledge or know-how.

“Athletes must be responsible and respect and guard their passion that is Athletics,” said Kipchoge.

Chepng’etich noted that the sessions went deep into doping issues that most athletes didn’t understand. “I have never been to such a session where you leave satisfied. This one was better than last year since we engaged in practical and was enjoyable,” said Chepng’etich.

Keitany said the team-building and AIU doping sessions were the best. “Most road running athletes are not in the testing pool hence these sessions have been beneficial,” said Keitany. Kamworor said considering Eldoret at the venue was commendable since most of the road runners hail from the area. “The burden is now on us athletes to slay this dragon called doping,” said Kamworor.

Athletics Kenya

Media & Communications

Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) has partnered with Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (Adak) and Athletics Kenya (AK) to popularise their newly launched Road Running Integrity Program for 2020.

At the same time, AIU, the World Athletics’ wing that deals with integrity, has supported Kenya’s quest to have doping criminalised.

AIU’s head of programs Thomas Capdevielle yesterday said that after extensive analysis of road running, they discovered that 76 per cent of 50 road race winners in World Athletics Gold Label races were not part of any out-of-competition anti-doping programme in 2018.

“In the same year, we noted that 74 per cent of the podium finishers in those Gold Label road races were not included in out-of-competition testing pools in the sport or their countries,” said Capdevielle. 

“In 22 per cent of those races, not a single athlete who finished on the podium in either the male or female races was tested out-of-competition.”

Capdevielle said this situation poses a major risk to the integrity of the road running events. Capdevielle was speaking during an international press conference at Hilton Hotel ahead of Athletes Conference, which starts tomorrow at Sirikwa Hotel in Eldoret.

Capdevielle was accompanied by AIU head education and communication Aditya Kumar, Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed, AK President Jackson Tuwei, Confederation of Africa Athletics Athletes Commission president David Rudisha and ADAK CEO Japhter Rugut

“Given the uniqueness of the road running industry where the pool of talented runners compete at the highest level and earn a good living from it runs deeper than any other discipline in athletics,” said Capdevielle, adding that protecting the integrity of the road running industry required more funding to cover a wider group of athletes.

Under the previous system, the AIU and World Athletics funded the first 50 road runners in the testing pool. AIU intends to use between US$ 2.6 million ( Sh260m) and US$ 3.2m (Sh320million) in their Road Running Integrity Programme in the year 2020.

There are 262 athletes registered by World Athletics Road Running and Capdevielle said between 40 and 60 athletes will be added to the testing pool in 2020. Previous testing pool included just 70 runners and by February next year, World Athletics will have about 300 to 320 runners.

He explained that after tomorrow’s session with close to 130 road running athletes that will include athletes from Uganda, they will move to Addis Ababa, Ethiopia for similar sessions.

Capdevielle said criminalising doping will take the battle against doping in athletics a notch higher. “ World Athletics don’t want to interfere with Kenyan affairs but we want more done in investigations to punish those involved in doping including coaches, doctors and pharmacists who are involved,” said Capdevielle.

Amina disclosed that a team has been formed to amend the Anti-Doping Laws that will have doping criminalised. “The conversation is in and we want to ensure that the whole entourage takes responsibility,” said Mohammed adding that the government through Adak is committed to eradicating doping in the country.

Amina, who failed to state when the laws will be ready, reiterated that athletes reprimanded for doping will never represent the country again.

Rudisha said since the inaugural conference last year, athletes have immensely benefited in areas of doping, investment, taxation, ethics and media relations. “Sports is an industry and I am happy Athletics Kenya and their partners AIU and World Athletics have worked hard for the welfare of the athletes,” said Rudisha adding that clean athletes have suffered most owing to the few athletes who have resorted to doping. “These cheats have stolen the podium finish thunder from clean athletes but I am happy that will end with such efforts.”

Rugut said since the establishment of ADAK in 2016 they have done over 3,000 tests with 136 workshops also having been held. “We have done 567 in the last five months and this is great,” said Rugut.

Tuwei said the conference in Eldoret that starts Wednesday (December 4)  through to Saturday (December 7) will dwell on Anti-Doping, legal matters, investment, taxation, ethics and values and athletes’ media relation.

Athletics Kenya

Media & Communications

“OVER 300 athletes are expected to converge in Eldoret for the second edition of Athletics Kenya (AK) Conference from December 4-7 at Sirikwa Hotel, Eldoret.

The four-day invite-only conference, whose theme is ‘I choose Integrity’ will be graced by IAAF’s Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), who will specifically deal with doping matters. Marathon and road runners’ doping session on the opening day (December 4) will precede the main three-day event featuring track and field stars. It’s worth noting that apart from Olympic probables in the 42km, invited marathon and roadrunners will only have a one-day session.    The event is mandatory for the invited athletes’ failure to which there will be consequences. Apart from marathoners and road racers, the conference will especially feature youths, juniors and 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games probables. 

AK will use this Conference as a first step towards 2020 Olympics Games preparations as required by World Athletics, previously known as the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) with the main topic for discussion being anti-doping and advise on the best way to remain and compete clean. 

Other areas of discussion will include ethics, investment, taxation and athlete-media relations.  

AIU will also have a major press conference on December 3 in Nairobi at a venue to be communicated prior to the event.”

THE FOLLOWING ATHLETES HAVE BEEN INVITED FOR THE AIU/AK ROAD RUNNING CONFERENCE ON 4TH DECEMBER 2019 AT SIRIKWA HOTEL, ELDORET

THE ATHLETES BELOW HAVE BEEN INVITED FOR THE AK ATHLETES ANNUAL CONFERENCE TO BE HELD FROM 5TH TO 7TH DECEMBER 2019 AT SIRIKWA HOTEL ELDORET

Athletics Kenya 

Media & Communications

World marathon record holder Brigid Kosgei has made the final shortlist for 2019 Female World Athlete of the Year award.

Kosgei, who broke women’s marathon record on October 13, 2019 when she timed 2hrs, 14 minutes and 04 seconds to win the 2019 Chicago Marathon, has made the final shortlist of five athletes drawn from four Area associations of World Athletics (formerly International Association of Athletics Federations – IAAF), according to the global athletics body.

“The five athletes, who represent five countries from four Area associations, have illustrated excellence across nearly all athletics disciplines in 2019,” World Athletics said on Tuesday in a statement.

But women’s world 3,000m steeplechase champion Beatrice Chepkoech and World 5,000m champion Hellen Obiri from Kenya did not make the cut.

Kosgei made the shortlist alongside American 100 metres and 4x100m world champion Shelly-Anne Fraser-Price, Dutch Sifan Hassan who is the reigning world champion in women’s 5,000m and 10,000m, reigning 400m hurdles world champion and world record holder Delilah Muhammad of USA, and world triple jump champion Yulimar Rojas from Venezuela.

The 25-year-old Kosgei has had a successful period in road running this year, winning the London Marathon on April 28 in a time of 2:18:20. On that occasion, world marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge who has also made the shortlist for Male Athlete of the Year award won the men’s title.

Kosgei went on to retain the Chicago Marathon title which she had won in 2018. World Athletics (formerly International Association of Athletics Federations – IAAF) said the finalists were arrived at through a three-way voting process.

“The World Athletics Council and the World Athletics Family cast their votes by email, while fans voted online via our social media platforms. The Council’s vote counted for 50 percent of the result, while the Athletics Family’s votes and the public votes each counted for 25% of the final result,” World Athletics said on Tuesday in a statement.

Voting for the Female World Athlete of the Year closed on November 5, 2019, and the male and female World Athletes of the Year will be announced live on stage at the 2019 World Athletics Awards in Monaco on November 23.

The finalists are:

Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (JAM)
– won world 100m and 4x100m titles in world-leading times of 10.71 and 41.44
– won Pan-American 200m title
– won seven of her 10 races at 100m

Sifan Hassan (NED)
– won world 1500m and 10,000m titles in world-leading times of 3:51.95 and 30:17.62
– won Diamond League 1500m and 5000m titles
– broke world mile record with 4:12.33 in Monaco

Brigid Kosgei (KEN)
– set a world record of 2:14:04 to win the Chicago Marathon
– won the London Marathon
– ran a world-leading 1:05:28 for the half marathon and 1:04:28 on a downhill course

Dalilah Muhammad (USA)
– broke world record with 52.20 at the US Championships
– improved her own world record to win the world 400m hurdles title in 52.16
– won world 4x400m title

Yulimar Rojas (VEN)
– won world triple jump title with 15.37m
– jumped world-leading 15.41m to move to second on the world all-time list
– won nine of her 12 competitions, including the Pan-American Games

Athletics Kenya

Media & Communications

World Marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya has made the final list of five athletes who are in the running for 2019 Male World Athlete of The Year Award.

On Monday while releasing the list for the final five athletes left in the running for the award following conclusion of voting on November 4, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) said:

“With just 12 days to go until the World Athletics Awards 2019, the names of the five finalists for the Male World Athlete of the Year 2019 have been confirmed. The five athletes, who represent four countries from three Area associations, have illustrated excellence across nearly all athletics disciplines in 2019.”

On October 12, Kipchoge, who is also the Olympics marathon champion, became the first man to run the marathon in under two hours when he timed 1:59:42 in a highly choreographed attempt dubbed ‘INEOS 1:59 CHALLENGE’ in Vienna.

The others in the five-man short-list are Ugandan world 10,000 metres champion Joshua Cheptegei, pole vault world champion Sam Kendricks (USA), 200m world champion Noah Lyles (USA) and Norwegian hurdler Karsten Warholm. But world 1,500m champion Timothy Cheruiyot of Kenya was eliminated through voting from the original list of 11.

A three-way voting process determined the finalists with the World Athletics Council and the World Athletics Family casting their votes by email, while fans voted online via IAAF social media platforms, the statement said.

Athletics Kenya 

Media & Communications

Kenya’s Brigid Kosgei on Sunday timed 2hrs, 14 min and 4sec to win 2019 Chicago Marathon in a new world record.

Kosegei’s winning time, which was also a course record, saw her break the world record set by Briton Paula Radcliffe in 2003.

Victory by the 26-year-old is good news for Kenya, coming just a day after world marathon record holder in men’s marathon, Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya, became the first man to run the marathon under two hours in Vienna, Austria.

Kipchoge, who is also the world marathon record holder (2:01:39), made history by becoming the first man to run a marathon under two hours when he completed the INEOS 1:59 Challenge in 1:59:40 on Saturday in Vienna.

In winning Sunday’s race, Kosgei lowered Radcliffe’s world marathon record by 81 seconds. Radcliffe’s mark has stood for 16 years.

And Kosgei was overjoyed to have won the race in a new record.

“It feels good to have come here and won. Last year when I competed here, the course was good and this year, I came here and won. It makes me feel good,” the athlete said.

Kosgei won ahead of Ethiopian duo of Ababel Yeshaneh (2:20:51) and Gelete Burka (2:20:55

Boston Marathon champion Lawrence Cherono won men’s title in a sprint finishing, clocking 2:05:45.

Cherono finished ahead of Ethiopians Defene Debela and Asefa Mengstu who timed 2:05:46 and 2:05:48 respectively. Kenya’s Bedan Karoki finished fourth in 2:05:53.

Kenya now holds records for all the long distance road races, both in full and half marathons.

Kipchoge holds men’s world marathon record of 2:01:39 which he set at the Berlin Marathon on September 16, 2018.

Geoffrey Kamworor holds the world half marathon record of 58:01 which he set in Copenhagen on September 15, 2019.

Another Kenyan, Joyciline Jepkosgei, holds the women’s world half marathon record of 1:04:51 which she claimed on October 22, 2017 in Valencia, Spain.

Before Sunday’s race,  Kosgei went to Chicago with the seventh fastest time in history of the marathon (2:18:20) from her victory in London Marathon on April 28, 2019.

Kosgei’s winning time in the London Marathon made her the fourth fastest marathoner after fellow Kenyans Mary Keitany, who holds the all-women world marathon record of  2:17:01 from 2017 in London, Ruth Chepng’etich (2:17.08) set in 2019 in Dubai, and Gladys Cherono (2:18:11) set in 2018 in  Berlin.

The other Kenyans to have broken the women’s world marathon record are Tegla Loroupe, two-time World marathon champion Catherine Ndereba and Keitany.

Loroupe broke the marathon twice — 1998 in Rotterdam at 2:20:47 and in the 1999 Berlin Marathon in 2:20:43.

Athletics Kenya

Media and Communications

October 12, 2019.

World marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge has made history by becoming the first man to run the marathon under two hours.

Kipchoge, who is also the reigning Olympics Marathon champion, on Saturday recorded 1 hour, 59 minutes and 40.2 seconds, thereby becoming the first athlete to dip under the mythical two-hour barrier in a specially prepared course in Vienna, Austria.

Upon completing the race, an elated Kipchoge, with the Kenyan flag on his shoulders , gave his fans high-fives and performed a small jig. Later, he thanked his fans for the support they have accorded him during the attempt dubbed ‘Ineos 1:59 Challenge.’

‘I want to convey a message of a clean sport. We can achieve a lot of things through running. I want to say thank you to my fans who watched the race live here and back home in Kenya. My fans who followed the race online on Facebook, on Twitter and live on television. I appreciate the time that you set aside to follow the race. We have achieved this together, and together we can make the world a beautiful place,’ he said.

Because of the way the run was set up and paced, the International Association of Athletics Federations will not validate the time as a world record.  

Kipchoge’s wife Grace and their three children watched the race live in Vienna. Afterwards, the athlete paid glowing tribute to his family.

‘My family are my biggest fans. I am happy that they came over to watch the race live. They are among those who helped me make history, and I am happy for them,’ Kipchoge said.

Kipchoge was spurred to history by a team of 41 top pacemakers who joined the race at various times. At any one time in the race, Kipchoge was accompanied by five pacemakers. The last batch of pacemakers stayed with the legendary marathoner till the 41^st kilometre before dropping off with half a kilometre to go.

From then on, Kipchoge broke into a sprint on the homestretch and could be seen pumping his fist in the air and gesturing to fans who lined up on either side of the course at Prater Park in Prague.

By running the marathon under two hours, the Kenyan road running legend achieved in doing what he failed to do two years ago in a Nike-sponsored attempt in Monza, Italy.

Kipchoge said he achieved the feat after many months of preparations.

‘It has been many months of training and I am happy it we have succeeded,’ the athlete, coached by Matthew Sang, said.

He was full of praise for his pacemakers.

‘The 41 pacemakers who were here are among the best in the world. I thank them and appreciate them for accepting to do the job. We did this together,’ Kipchoge said after the race.

The world marathon record holder hopes that his achievement will inspire athletes and Kenyans in general to break barriers in life.

‘This means a lot to Kenya. I chose to run under two hours to show them that anybody can step out of hios comfort zone and achieve great things. Together we can do more and make the world a beautiful place,’ Kipchoge said afterwards.

In his home village of Kapsisiwo in Nandi County, Kipchogès mother, in the company of friends, watched with teary eyes as their famous son achieved what was once considered impossible.

‘I am very happy to have seen my son achieve this feat. I am proud as a mother and it gives me a lot of joy,’ she said on Saturday amid song and dance.

Kenyans from all walks of life gathered at various places countrywide to follow yesterday’s race. In Nairobi, Sports Cabinet Secretary Amina Mohammed joined athletics fans at Kenyatta International Convention Centre to watch the race. Crowds also gathered in Eldoret and Nakuru to watch the race.

Athletics Kenya

Media and Communications

Men’s 3000m steeplechase final

Reigning champion Conseslus Kipruto on Friday upstaged Ethiopia’s Lamecha Girma in a photo-finish to retain 3000 metres steeplechase gold medal at the World Championships in Doha.

Kipruto won in 8 minutes and 01.35 seconds whjich was a world leading time, followed by Girma (8:01.36) and 2014 African champion Soufiane El Bakkali from Morocco who timed 8:03.76 to take bronze.

The other Kenyans in the race, 2019 African Games champion Benjamin Kigen (8:06.95), Abraham Kibiwot (8:06.95), and World Under-20 silver-medalist Leonard Kipkemoi Bett (8:10.64) finished sixth, seventh, and ninth respectively. Kipruto Girman, 18, to the finish line to win in a photo finish, beating Girma by a hundredth of a second.

“The Ethiopians (Girma and Getnet Wale) teamed up to stop me,” he said. Wale finished fourth. I went to the front and waited to kick but they also changed tack and went to the front. Then I decided to keep up with them at that quick rather than fall behind and wait for the other Kenyans because I had looked back to signal to them to charge forward but they were way behind,” Kipruto said.

So close was the race that moments after finishing the race, Girma and Kipruto anxiously watched the giant screen inside the stadium as they waited to learn their fate.

Men’s 1,500m semis

At the same time, World and Commonwealth 1,500 metres silver medalist Timothy Cheruiyot beat his opponents in Doha on his way to qualifying for the final.

Cheruiyot timed 3 minutes, 36.53 seconds to win the first semi-final heat to qualify for the final alongside Kenya’s Ronald Kwemoi who timed 3:36.53 to finish second in the second heat to qualify for the final which will be held on Sunday from 7.40pm.

Cheruiyot, who is seeking to upgrade the silver medal he claimed at the 2017 World Championships in London, yesterday said they employed a strategy of running from the front to escape pushing and shoving from their opponents.

“There was a lot of pushing and shoving in the heats, so we decided to go ahead of the field to avoid such incidences,” the athlete, who finished fifth in the 2013 World Championships in Beijing, told Nation Sport in Doha last night.

Cheruiyot won ahead of 2012 Olympic champion Toufik Makhloufi from Algeria who timed 3:36.69, and Great Britains’ Neil Gourley (3:36.69).  Kwemoi finished second in his semi-final heat behind Lewandowski (3:36.50) but ahead of third-placed Ingebrigtsen (3:36.58).

 Men’s walk race

Japan’s Toshikazu Yamanishi is the 20km race walk champion after clocking 1:26:34 in Doha on Saturday.

Russia’s Vasiliy Mizinov, who is competing as a neutral athlete, was second in 1:26:49 while Swedish Perseus Karlström took bronze in 1:27:00. Kenya’s Samuel Gathimba finished 32nd in 1:40:45 in his debut at the World Championships.

The Kenyan, who took bronze at the 2018 Commonwealth games in Gold Coast, found the going tough at the global event in Doha. Yamanishi’s victory was the first ever in the event by a Japanese athlete in the world event.

 PREVIEWS

World 5000 metres champion Hellen Obiri will be out to defend her title at the World Championships in Doha on Saturday. She will compete in the final of women’s 5,000m race on Saturday from 9.25pm with fellow Kenyans Lilian Kasait and Margaret Chelimo.

Obiri, who had contemplated pulling out of women’s 5,000m race just minutes after finishing fifth on Saturday in women’s 10,000m race will be in tonight’s race.

“I have recovered well from the 10,000m race. The 10,000m race proved tough and I subsequently contemplated pulling out of 5,000m race, but I changed my mind and competed to see how my body would react,” Obiri, who ran from the front to win the semi-final heat in a time of 14 minutes, 15:13 seconds on Wednesday, said.

Obiri, who finished fourth in IAAF Diamond League final in Brussels on September 6, carries the fastest time this season of 14:20.36 which she set in at the IAAF Diamond League meeting in London. Olympics silver medallist Obiri won the first heat in 14:15:13 to qualify ahead of American Karisa Schweizer (14:52:41).

Men’s javelin

The 2015 world javelin champion Julius Yego takes to the field in the qualification round of men’s javelin at 4.30pm on Saturday. Yego, who is also Team Kenya captain at the 2019 World Championships, is again hoping to lead from the front in the final. Yego has said his immediate target is to hit the qualifying mark of 83m as he launches his title campaign in his fourth appearance at the global championship.

“I am eager to get to stadium and to get started. On Saturday (today) I will compete in the opening round and I hope I get my technique right, and to hit the qualifying mark of 83 metres and to give it my best come the final on Sunday,” the athlete, popularly known as ‘YouTube Man’ said.

Yego, with a personal best of 92.72m, faces defending champion Johanes Veter from Germany who has a personal best of 94.44 metres, and European silver medallist Andreas Hofmann who has won two IAAF Diamond League meetings this season in Monaco and Shanghai.

Athletics Kenya

Media and Communucations

Reigning champion Faith Chepngetich is on course to defending her title on Thursday at the World Championships here in Doha. Chepngetich timed 4 minutes, 14.98 seconds to finish fourth in the first semi-final heat to reach the final of the race with team mate Winnie Chebet (4:01.14) who also finished fourth in heat two. The final will be held on Saturday from 8.55pm.

Chebet had observed that Thursday’s semi-final races had proved difficult.

Dutch athlete Sifan Hassan won the first heat in a time of 4:14.69, followed by American Shelby Houlinan (4:14.91) and Morocco’s Rababe Arafi (4:14.94). American Jenny Simpson timed 4:00.99 to win heat two where Canada’s Gabriela Dubues –Stafford

 Chebet said she will rectify her approach to the race with her coach before the final race. The athlete was happy with the fact that she will run alongside Chebet in the final, something she said gives them a chance to plan how to tackle Dutch Sifan Hassan, who has already won gold in women’s 10,000m races.

 Cheruiyot reaches 1500m

World and Commonwealth 1,500 metres silver medalist Timothy Cheruiyot on Thursday led his fellow Kenyan Ronald Kwemoi in qualifying for the semi-final of the metric-mile race at the World Championships in Doha.

However, George Manangoi and 2016 World Under-20 1,500m champion Kumari Taki failed to qualify for the semi-finals planned for Friday from 8.05pm.

Cheruiyot timed 3 minutes, 36.82 seconds to win the first heat ahead of Great Britain’s Josh Kerr (3:36.99) and American Ben Blankenship (3:37.13).

 “The heat was not quick as usual, and that means there is room for improvement going into the semis. My target is to reach the final, then we can work as a team to deliver medals for Kenya,” the athlete told Nation Sport in Doha. Cheruiyot said he missed reigning world champion Elijah Manang’oi, who is also his training partner.

Kwemoi timed 3:36.66 to finish seventh in his heat and qualify as one of the six fastest losers from the heats. Ayanle Souliman from Djobouti won the heat in a time of 3:36.16, followed in second place by Algeria’s Taoufik Makhloufi (3:36.16).

 Kwemoi blamed his poor finish in the race on pushing and shoving among the athletes in the last 200m in the race.

Athletics Kenya

Media & Communication

Reigning champion Conseslus Kipruto and his Kenyan team mates will compete in the final of men’s 3000 metres steeplechase title at the World Athletics Championships in Doha on Friday from 9.45pm local time.

The 2017 World Championships 3000m steeplechase Kipruto will compete in the final of the race on Friday from 9.45pm with Leonard Bett, Benjamin Kigen and Abraham Kibiwot. Kipruto has said hard work lies ahead for the team.

 “Everybody is out to beat me but I am heading to the final with the desire to show my class,” Kupruto said, adding that he has peaked at the right time for the World Championships.

Kigen clocked 8:19.44 to also qualify alongside Abraham Kibiwott (8:18.46) who finished third in the second heat and Leonard Bett who timed 8:13.07 to finish third in the first heat.

Kigen and Kipruto slowed down in the last 200m of Tuesday’s semi-final to conserve their energy for the Friday’s final.

“Conseslus told me that we should slow down because we were leading and had already qualified for the final but Friday’s race will be at a different level. All the opponents know each other from the Diamond League series and each of us wants to win gold, so it will be tough. We have what is necessary to deliver gold. Let’s not forget each of us is chasing gold medal,” Kigen said.

Bett, who got locked up in the inside lane and finished third in his heat, said he will employ a different strategy in the final.

Ethiopia’s Getnet Wale goes to the final with the fastest time from the heats, having timed 8:12.96 to win the first heat. He is the other athlete to look out for in the final alongside his compatriot Lamecha Girma and El Bakkali.

Walk race

Kenya’s Samuel Gathimba lines up in the final of men’s 20km race walk from 11:30 pm tonight at the World Championships in Doha.

The 2018 Commonwealth Games bronze medalist, aged 32,  is chasing a medal on his first global championship.

The 2016 African race walk champion will tackle the course centred around the Doha Corniche on Tuesday. Gathimba, with a season best time of 1 hour, 19 minutes and 04 second, faces 56 other athletes in the race, among them Heiki Takahashi from Japan who has a season best time of 1 hour, 18.00 second, the fastest in the field.

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Defending champion Faith Chepngetich on Wednesday led qualified for the semi-finals of women’s 1,500 metres at the World Championships in Doha. Chepngetich qualified alongside fellow Kenyan Winny Chebet for Thursday’s semi-final races will be held from 11pm. Chepngetich timed 4 minutes, 03.93 seconds to finish second behind Dutch Sifan Hassan who won the heat in a time of 4:03.88.Chebet timed 4:08.36 to finish behind Morocco’s Rababe Arafi (4:08.32) in the second in heat.Chepngetich was happy with the good start to her title defence.

“I am happy to have come back from maternity leave in good form. I anticipate a tough race in the semi-finals,” Chepngetich said.

American Jenny Simpson (4:07.27) won the third heat to progress to the semi-finals alongside Canada’s Gabriela Dubues-Stafford (4:07.28). The first six athletes from each heat qualified for today’s semi-final races alongside the fastest six athletes from the heats.

Meanwhile, reigning world 5000 metres champion, Hellen Obiri won her heat to qualify for the final alongside Lilian Kasait and Margaret Chelimo. Obiri won the first heat in 14:15:13 to qualify ahead of American Karisa Schweizer who timed 14:52:41. The final will be held on Saturday. Obiri said her priority remains reaching the final when she competes in the semis.

“I changed strategy and ran a quick race from the front. The target now remains qualifying for the final and to fight for the title from there,” Obiri said yesterday.

Kasait (15:03:03) finished fourth in the second heat that also had fellow Kenyan Margaret Chelimo (15:01:08). The heat was won by Ethiopia’s Tsehay Gemechu in a time of 15:01.07. The top five athletes from the heats qualified for the final alongside the next fastest five from the heats.

At the same time, Emmanuel Korir on Wednesday stormed the final of men’s 400 metres race at the World Championships in Doha. Kenya’s other representative in the semi-final of the one-lap race, Alphas Kishoyian, finished sixth in heat three to exit the championship. Korir, who is also, clocked 44.37 seconds to finish second in his semi-final heat won by America’s Fred Kerley in a time of 44.2. Korir, whose qualifying time was also his best time this season, said afterwards that his target is to finish on the podium in Friday’s final.

“Finishing second in my heat gives me confidence. If I train well, I will do well and maybe run in 43 seconds. If I finish among the top three, I will appreciate that,” Korir, who also represented Kenya in men’s 800m race here in Doha, said.

Kishoyian timed 45.55 to finish sixth in the third heat of the semi-final won by Machel Cedenio from the Trinidad and Tobago, followed by Colombia’s Anthony Zambrano 44.55. Stephen Gardiner from the Bahamas won the second heat in 44.13. The first two athletes across the line qualified for the final alongside the next two fastest runners in the heats.

PREVIEW

World and Commonwealth 1,500 metres silver medalist Timothy Cheruiyot lines up alongside compatriots Ronald Kwemoi, Kumari Taki and George Manangoi in men’s heats of the metric-mile race at the World Championships in Doha from 10pm on Thursday night, seeking to win the title Elijah Manangoi won two years ago in London.

Reigning champion Elijah withdrew from Team Kenya and was replaced by 2016 World Under-20 1,500m champion Kumari Taki.

At the national trials, Cheruiyot timed 3 minutes, 28.77 seconds to finish ahead of second-placed Kwemoi (93:33.99) who was followed by George (3:31.49) and Taki. Cheruiyot believes his 1500m victory at the Diamond League in Switzerland where he set a meet record, offers him a good platform from where to launch his title bid.

“I have had a good season and my training has gone on well. Winning in Switzerland puts me in a good frame of mind heading to Doha where my target is to graduate from silver to gold,” he said after winning at the trials.

Cheruiyot was promoted from the rank of a Constable to an Inspector at the Kenya Prisons Service just days before leaving for Doha with team Kenya.

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After two days of gruelling action at the National Athletics Trials at the Nyayo Stadium, Athletics Kenya have named a team of 47 track and field athletes to represent the country at the 2019 World Championships set for Doha, Qatar between September 27 to October 6 in Doha, Qatar.  

The team will be led by six wild card holders, who secured their tickets to the global championships by virtue of being the world champion and Diamond League trophy holders in their respective specialties.

World champions Geoffrey Kirui (marathon), Elijah Manangoi and Faith Chepngetich (1500m), Beatrice Chepkoech and Conseslus Kipruto (3,000m steeplechase), will spearhead the team.

With the Kenyan selectors settling for four runners to represent the country in the men’s  and women 1500m event  due to Manangoi’s and Chepngetich’s  wildcards, the battle was rife as athletes staked their claim on a slot in the Doha-bound plane.

Despite being assured of a ticket to Doha, world 1500m silver medalist Timothy Cheruiyot opted to fight for a ticket through the trials, as his now-recovered training-mate Manang’oi sat out of the national show.

Cheruiyot, who has been a dominant figure in the last two seasons produced a commanding performance to cement his name in the Doha-bound team winning the 3:34.91. Ronald Kwemoi was second in 3:37.61 while Manang’oi’s brother, George, the world under-20 champion Manangoi finished third in 3:37.00.

 “I’m glad I had uninterrupted season, successfully defending my title in the Diamond League. The focus now shifts to the world championship. I hope to continue with same shape and win the world title in Doha. I know with my training mates, the Manangoi brothers in the team and other members of the squad, we will do well at the championships,” said Cheruiyot.

 “I just decided to miss this event to give my leg more recovery time, but its responding well and I will be ready to defend my title.” Just as expected, Olympics and world champion won the women’s 1,500m final and declared she is ready to defend her title.  Kipyegon clocked 4:03.22 followed by African champion Winny Chebet (4:03.23) Sela Jepleting (4:05.25) while Judy Chepngetich was fourth, ensuring his place in the team.

“I just wanted to see how my body will react here in the trials. That’s why I went fast in the first 800m mark. Since coming back from maternity, I’m impressed with my performance and I can say I’m ready for my title defence,” Kipyegon. Chebet, who will be making her second appearance at the world championships said: “I’m good shape and this being second time at the world championships, I have enough experience to aim at the podium position.

Men’s 800m final produced the performance of the trials with youngster and world under-20 800m silver medallist Kipngetich Ngeno emerging top. Ngeno timed in 1:44.57 ahead of USA-based Emmanuel Korir while Ferguson Rotich made the team after a 1:44.63 third-place finish.

“That was a tough race. The field had good quality runners and I did not expect to beat all of them. I’m happy to make the team, having won silver in world under-20,” said Ngeno.

Korir said: “The race was very unpredictable. I’m glad to have come here and race to second place.”

Former world champion Eunice Sum settled for second best in her 800m specialty after a brilliant performance by world champion U-18 champion Jackline Wambui, who won the final.

However, the Kenyan selectors had other ideas in men’s 5000m race. The winner of Thursday’s final Michael Kibet and second-place finisher Daniel Simuyu were not named in the team with Athletics Kenya observing that they are yet to meet all anti-doping requirements set by Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU).  

Thus AK named only Nicholas Kimeli, who finished third as the lone representative with the rest set to be named in due course. World under-20 silver medallist Leonard Bett was a surprise winner of the men’s 3000m steeplechase final, beating Diamond League specialist Benjamin Kigen at the tape. Bett timed 8:20.29 ahead of Kigen (8:20.56) while Abraham Kibiwott, the Commonwealth Games bronze medallist was third in 8:24.61.

Fresh from winning African Games title in Morocco, Lilian Kasait won the women’s 5000m in 15:43.55. Margaret Chelimo was second in 15:46.65 while Sheila Chelangat 15:48.65 took the lesser of the podium positions. Kasait, Chelimo will join World champion Hellen Obiri who gave the trials a wide berth with a wildcard already in the bag.

“I had recovered well from the African Games, and I came here mentally prepared to cut the team. I’m glad I made it,” said kasait.

Sprints will be represented by four runner, Nicholas Chirchir in men’s 400m hurdles, Alphas Kishoyian in men’s 400m as well as Mary Moraa and Hellen Syombua in women’s 400m event.

Selected team

Men

400m: Alphas Kishoyian, Emmanuel Korir

400m Hurdles: Nicholas Chirchir

800M: Kipngetich Ngeno, Emmanuel Korir, Ferguson Rotich

1500m: Elijah Manang’oi, Timothy Cheruiyot, Ronald kwemoi, George Manang’oi

3,000m SC: Conseslus Kipruto, Leonard Bett, Benjamin Kigen, Abraham Kibiwott

5000m: Nicholas Kimeli

10,000m: Rhonex Kipruto, Rodgers Kwemoi, Alex Oloitiptip

Marathon: Amos Kipruto, Geoffrey Kirui, Laban Korir, Paul Lonyangata

High Jump: Mathew Sawe

Javelin: Julius Yego

Walk: Samuel Gathimba,

Women

400m: Mary Moraa, Hellen Syombua

800M: Eunice Sum, Jackline Wambui

1500m: Faith Chepngetich, Winny Chebet, Sela Jepleting, Judy Chepngetich

5000m: Hellen Obiri, Lilian Kasait, Maragret Chelimo

10,000m: Agnes Tirop, Hellen Obiri, Rosemary Wanjiru

3,000m SC: Beatrice Chepkoech, Hyvin Kiyeng, Celliphine Chesol, Fancy Cherono

Marathon:  Ruth Chepngetich, Visiline Jepkesho, Edna Kiplagat

Walk: Grace Wanjiru,

4x400m Mixed Relays:  Mary Moraa, Gladys Musyoki, Alphas Kishoyian, Alex Sampao and Joseph Poghisio.

Officials

Team Leader: Joseph Kiget

Ass. TeamLeader Erastus Kabugi

Head Coach: Julius Kirwa

Coaches: Bernard Ouma, David Kitur, Shame Kororia, Abraham Kiplimo, Shelly Kilunda, Joseph Cheromei, Richard Metto.

Official: Fredrick Oundo Nahasion Kibor

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Daisy Jepkemei extended her dominance on the local circuit, clocking 34:52.7 to win the senior women’s 10km during the third Athletics Kenya cross country meeting held yesterday at Kapsokwony High School ground in Mount Elgon.

Chepkemei was on fire from the gun and stuck with the leading pack before bolting off in the last kilometres.  Sheila Chelangat finished second in 35:25.0 while Beatrice Chepkemei completed the podium in 35:34.7.Alice Aprot (35:42.1), Irene Kimais (36:09.5) and Beatrice Begi  (37:908) followed in that order.

In an interview, Jepkemei said the event was part her preparations for the forthcoming national and world cross-country meetings respectively.

She said she is currently enjoying top form and hopes to make Team Kenya to the world cross-country. “ I started my training early and I am happy I am now reaping the fruits,” she noted.

In the senior men’s 10km race, Vincent Nyamongo ruled supreme, clocking 27:41.1 to beat Collins Korir (27:44.1) and Eliud Kipsang (27:49.8) to the second and third places respectively. Tony Kiplangat (27:54.7) and Musa Jipcho (27:56.3) completed the top five places.

The junior men’s 8km race saw Michael Kibet clock 24:22.8 to win the race. Charles Kakuri shook off a strong challenge from Gideon Kipngetich to place second in 24:32.1. Kipngetich was timed at 24:39.1 while Edwin Kiplangat was fourth in 24:49.0.

Winny Kimtai clocked 21:15.2 to win the junior women’s race. She was followed inn the second and third place by Emmaculate Chepkirui (21:16.8) and Monica Chirchir (21:21.0) respectively. Immaculate Anyango 21:28.2 completed the top four places.

Senior 10km women race

Daisy Jepkemei 34:52.7

Sheila Chelangat 35:25.0

Beatrice Chepkemei 35:34.7

Alice Aprot 35:42.1

Irene Kimais 36:09.5

Beatrice Begi  37::908.

 Senior men’s 10km race

Vincent Nyamong 27:41.1

Ciollins Korir 27:44.1

Eliud Kipsang 27:49.8

Tony Kiplangat 27:54.7

Musa Jipcho 27:56.3

Paul Korir  27:59.4

Junior men’s 8km race

Michael Kibet 24:22.8

Charles Kakuri 24:32.1

Gideon Kipngetich 24:39.1

Edwin Kiplangat 24:49.0

Bravine Kogen 24:53.3

Joel Kiplimo 24:59.0

Women’s 6km junior race

 Winny Kimtai 21:15.2

Emmaculate Chepkirui 21:16.8

Monica Chirchir 21:21.0

Immaculate Anyango 21:28.2

Josephine Chelangat 21:34.0

Flelixiana Kanda 21:37.0

 Athletics Kenya 

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Athletics Kenya in conjunction with the Anti-Doping Agency of Kenya (ADAK) on Friday mobilized elite Athletes in the country to denounce cheating in the sport during the AK Ant-Doping Day Campaign.

In an exercise carried out at Iten Playing Grounds in Elgeyo Mrakwet County during the week, the athletes promised to work together with the two organizations in an effort to stamp out doping in athletics.

Led by Athletics Kenya President Lt. General (Rtd) Jack K. Tuwei and ADAK Chief Executive Officer Japhter Rugut, the athletes made a declaration to compete clean by Saying No to Doping and mentoring upcoming runners to exercise honesty.

The campaign, whose Theme is ‘Expose Dopers, Save Our Sport’, started with a one kilometer procession within Iten town before ending at the playing grounds for the declaration.

This is one of the several educational campaign forums aimed at sensitizing athletes against doping that has threatened the Sport Industry in recent times.

President Tuwei asked all athletics stakeholders to take the exercise with the seriousness it deserves and work in unity in fighting cheating in order to protect those running clean.

“It is the duty of all of us to protect the Sport. I am asking you to train hard and smart and win clean. Many have excelled without taking power-enhancing drugs. Let us work together to end this infringement,” warned the President who was accompanied by AK Senior Vice President Paul Mutwii, AK CEO Susan Kamau and Regional development Director Ibrahim Hussein Kipkemboi.

ADAK, under the stewardship of the organization’s Chief Executive Officer Japhter Rugut, promised to do all within its powers to ensure cheating in sports is put to an end.

On their part, the athletes, led by their representatives David Lekuta Rudisha (the Africa Athletes’ President), Benjamin Limo (former IAAF Athletes Representative) and Milkah Chemos (the AK Athletes Representative) promised to advocate the philosophy of training hard and competing clean.

The Iten Ant-Doping Declaration is part of the aggressive measures being mounted by Athletics Kenya Federation and the Kenya Anti-Doping Agency to educate and raise awareness across the country.

Other top athletes who attended the Campaign rally included Women World Marathon Record Mary Keitany, World Half Marathon and Cross Country Champion Geoffrey Kamworor, Olympic Champion Conseslus Kipruto and Former World Marathon Record holder Wilson Kipsang among several others.

 The Athletics Kenya Anti-Doping Day was launched last year and was celebrated in Kapsabet and Nyahururu during the month of November.

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 The 2018 Standard Chartered Nairobi International Marathon takes place in the Kenyan capital on Sunday morning with a galaxy of top stars signing up for the race.

The annual event, expected to entice more than 25,000 participants all together, will see most of the roads in the Western part of the city closed as seasoned and greenhorn battle for top prizes in all the categories.

The city streets and highways will be converted into combat zones where runners and athletics fans will converge during the event that will be marking its 16th anniversary this year.

The champion’s class will renew their rivalry in the main races that comprises the mainstream 42 and 21 Kilometers and the shorter 10Km while families and fans will flood the streets running in the 5Kilometres category.

In 42.195Kilometres, Edinburgh Marathon Champion Julius Kiplagat Korir and Standard Chartered Hong Kong 2017 runners-up Julius Keter will be fighting for the men title where Robert Kemboi from Kapsait in Elgeyo Marakwet County is planning to recapture the crown he won in 2016.

The women class is an open race since most of the renown marathoners have opted to compete in the 21Kilometres as a prelude to their major races later in the year.

However, Eunice Chebet and Naomi Kipsanai, both with vast experience in half marathons, will be aiming at improving their profile after registering in the women’s 42Km.

In the 21Kilometres, Valary Aiyabei, the reigning Beijing Marathon champion, will be the main attraction after returning to defend the title she won last before taking her winning streak to Asia.

The event, started in 2002, has been the spring board for upcoming athletes who have used the race to launch their Road Race Running career that has taken them to global competitions.

The Nairobi race precedes three similar competitions that will be held in Singapore, Mumbai and Hong Kong, all sponsored by Standard Chartered Bank.

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The Cross Country running season set in motion this week with the 10th edition of Isaiah F. Kiplagat Memorial Ndalat Gaa Kids event on Saturday in Nandi County.

The race, launched on Thursday last week in Nairobi, has enticed thousands of participants after the event sponsors and partners pumped in more than Ksh5 million for the championships.

During the launch, the new World Marathon Record holder Eliud Kipchoge was named the Race Ambassador for the second time as the cross-country opens the new season.

There will be more than 12 categories with young kids and veterans and elders above 40 years covering different distances ranging from 500m to 10Km with age classification.

Mobile Phone Service Provider Safaricom and Nandi County Government are the top sponsors of the race pioneered by former Athletics Kenya boss the Late Isaiah F. Kiplagat who hailed from the region.

Additional sponsors include Athletics Kenya, Kenya Seed Company, Soft Drink Manufacturer Coca Cola, Amaco Insurance Company, Nike, Kass Fm and National Hospital Insurance Fund among others.

“This year, we are expecting to see more participants competing in different categories including the elite in both men and women. We have Olympics and World Champions joining upcoming athletes to motivate them,” said Kennedy Tanui, the Nandi County Sports Chief Executive Officer and also the Central Rift Athletics Kenya region secretary.

The Ndalat event, to be confined within Ndalat Gaa Girls High School playing grounds, will serve as a starter to many cross country and track prospects as the new sporting calendar begin before major international championships early next year.

Last year during its 9th edition, Nicholas Kipkorir and Sandra Cherono won the senior categories titles which were won by   cross country specialists Alice Aprot and Abraham Kiptum in 2016 respectively.

The winners in all the categories will go home with cash prizes, animals and material awards with the first 20 in all the categories being in the reward brackets.

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