Janeth Chepng’etich was in strong form as she secured victory in the women’s 10,000m at the third Athletics Kenya weekend meeting at the Eliud Kipchoge Sports Complex in Kapsabet.
Chepng’etich delivered a commanding display to clock 34:36.9 minutes, outkicking Maurine Chebor (34:38.0) and Marion Kibor (34:44.8).
Despite the resounding triumph, the 28-year-old admitted the win had not been part of her script.
”I did not expect to win today. The conditions were a bit tough but God helped me and I am happy I won,” she said.
Having laid down an early-season marker on the track, Chepng’etich is now shifting gears to the roads, with the Lisbon Half Marathon on March 8 the next on her schedule.
”My next race will be Lisbon Half Marathon,” she added.
Chebor meanwhile was equally upbeat after her runner-up finish.
”I am glad I was able to finish second today. Last year, I also finished second on this track.”
”I thank my coaches and the Administration Police for their support,” Chebor said.
Kibor, who completed the podium, also drew positives from her performance.
”My training before the race was good and I am happy with my performance.”
Beyond the distance events, the field competitions lit up the infield with a series of powerful throws and explosive jumps.
In the women’s discus, Caroline Cherotich was in dominant form, launching 47.24m to claim top honours ahead of Roseline Rakamba (43.90m) and Irene Akifuma (43.22m).
Caleb Chepkwony mirrored that authority in the men’s contest, heaving the discus to 49.25m to finish ahead of Nathan Kibiwot (47.60m) and Johnaris Cheruiyot (47.17m).
The sandpit witnessed its own fireworks in the long jump as Priscilla Tabunda soared to 5.62m to clinch victory in the women’s event, with Gloria Mulei (5.52m) and Idah Jepkorir (5.34m) taking second and third respectively.
In the men’s competition, Isaac Kimunu reigned supreme with a 7.53m leap, edging out Edwin Too (7.37m) and Amos Mwendwa (7.15m).
Moureen Wafula cleared 1.60m to win the women’s high jump, while Margaret Kingi (1.55m) and Gloria Jebet (1.50m) followed in her wake.