Mercy Chepng’eno sealed her second victory at the 2nd Athletics Kenya Track and Field Weekend Meeting at Thika Stadium, storming to a commanding win in the women’s 1,500m on Saturday.
The 19-year-old clocked 4:13.8 to claim the metric mile, finishing clear of Josephine Sembeyo, who timed 4:18.2, while Mary Ekiru completed the podium in 4:29.0.
It capped a highly productive three-day meeting for Chepng’eno, who had already tasted success earlier in the competition after conquering the women’s 3,000m steeplechase.
In that race, she crossed the line in 10:28.9, holding off Tecla Cheserek (10:34.6) and Winsam Jerono (10:35.5).
Speaking after her 1,500m triumph, Chepng’eno expressed after fruitful outing in Thika.
“I won the 1,500m and 3,000m and I thank God for those victories,” she said.
Her double victory earned her a total of Sh40,000, with Sh20,000 awarded for each win.
Chepng’eno revealed that her appearance in the 1,500m was a deliberate test as she sharpens her tools ahead of the World Under-20 Championships in Eugene, where she hopes to don Kenyan colours in both disciplines.
“I was using the 1,500m to see which area of my race I need to improve on so that I can be ready for the World U-20. I want to represent Kenya in both events,” she noted.
With her eyes firmly set on the global stage, Chepng’eno is now targeting faster times across the board.
“I am targeting sub-10 minutes in the steeplechase and three minutes in the 1,500m,” she added.
In the men’s 1,500m, Dominic Kiptoo produced a well-timed kick to secure victory in 3:47.4, edging Obadiah Kipleting (3:48.5) and Carlos Kipruto (3:49.4).
Kiptoo disclosed that patience was central to his race strategy.
“My game plan was to sit back and wait so that I can kick,” he said.
His focus now shifts indoors, with the World Indoor Championships in Poland in March firmly on his radar.
“I am planning to make the World Indoor Championships in the 1,500m,” he added.
The men’s 400m saw Kelvin Kipkorir in imperious form, powering to victory in 45.8 ahead of Allan Kipyegon (46.4) and Danson Kibet (46.9).
Kipkorir, however, had to overcome an early setback after slipping at the start.
“I was using the race to gauge my current for. At the start I slipped a little because we did not have blocks and the sand made the start a little difficult,” he explained.
Despite the challenge, he relished the competition.
“The competition was tough because I was racing against national champions,” he said.
Kipkorir now plans to sharpen his speed as he builds toward upcoming meetings.
“I am now going to focus on speed because I see the endurance is already there.”
In the women’s 400m, Mercy Chebet claimed top honours in 53.8, ahead of Hellen Syombua (54.5) and Purity Chepkoech (54.8).
Alex Matata was dominant in the men’s 5,000m, asserting his authority with a winning time of 14:28.6. Victor Kiprotich (14:29.4) and Evans Kiplagat (14:30.1) followed closely.
Matata revealed that a mid-race surge proved decisive.
“The race was not so tough because we had started at a very low pace. I decided to push the field,” he said.
Sprint honours in the women’s 100m went to Millicent Ndoro, who clocked 11.3 to lead Eunice Kadogo (11.7) and Lilian Owako (11.9).
Ronald Koech topped the men’s 100m podium in 10.2, ahead of Elakana Kiprotich (10.4) and Moses Wasike (10.6).
Ndoro later completed a memorable double in the women’s 200m, storming to victory in 23.5, with Owako (23.9) and Brendah Masitsa (24.2) finishing second and third respectively.