Nakuru, Kenya, - Athens Olympics 3000m Steeplechase champion Ezekiel Kemboi was beaten to 10th place in the 1500m at the fifth Athletics Kenya weekend meeting in Nakuru, some 200km west of Nairobi on Saturday.

Kemboi, who posted 3:46.00, said it was part of his build up for the track season ahead of the IAAF World Championships to be held in Helsinki, Finland, in August.

"I am not disappointed at all. I am building my speed for Helsinki," said Kemboi with a smile.

World junior 8km cross country champion, Augustine Choge posted 3:40.6 seconds to win the race.

Also beaten in the race were former World Youth 1500m champion, Isaac Songok and former World 4km cross country champion, Benjamin Limo. Songok was sixth in 3:44.3 while Limo finished in seventh position in 3:45.0.

Shadrack Korir finished second in 3:41.8 and was followed in third position by Julius Bett in 3:42.4.

The event, held at Afraha Stadium, was being used to select local athletes Tusker AAC Permit Meeting scheduled for Saturday at Moi International Sports Centre (MISC) Kasarani.

Edwin Soi won the men’s 5000m in 13:42.0 and was followed by Nathan Lagat, who finished second in 14:00.8. Francis Komu came third in 14:03.1.

World junior cross country silver medallist, Veronica Nyarwai won the women’s 3000m in 9:16.4.

Nyarwai, who was running in her first race since the world Cross Country Championships in March, exhibited top form and left no doubt about her intentions for the season.

Little-known Cherop Kimaina was second in 9:29.2 while Catherine Wanjiru came third timed at 9:31.6.

Monica Wangare won the women’s 10,000m after clocking 32:56.00. Dina Kipkoech was second in 32:59.2 while Catherine Wanjiru was placed third in 39:31.6.

Nicodemus Malakwen took the closely contested men’s 10,000m at 28:59.5. William Chebon was second in 29:04.2 while Joseph Chirlee was third in 29:06.4.

The men’s 3000m was equally competitive as Suleiman Simotwo reigned supreme. Julius Kiptoo took the second slot in 8:09.3 while Edwin Koech was fourth in 8:09.5.

African 800m champion, Mwengi Mutua was beaten to second place in the 400m. Mutua, who is also a former World junior 800m champion, was timed at 47.4. Vincent Mumo won the race after clocking 47.3 while Zakaria Koskei was third in 47.7.

Faith Macharia took the women’s 400m in 55.3 seconds. She was followed by Annet Mwanzi (56.2 sec) and Susan Nyarunda (57.1 sec) respectively.

Purity Changwony shook off a strong challenge in the women’s 5000m to win 16:35.4. Margaret Muriuki was second in 16:39.6 while Chemutai Kipsang was third in 16:42.25.

Irene Birgen won the women’s 1500m in 4:23.5. Josephine Wanjiru (4:24.80) and Pamela Kipchoge (4:26.3) finished second and third respectively.

Julius Bungei won the men’s 400m Hurdles in 53.0 seconds and was followed in the second place by Sylvester Muteti in 53.3. Mike Rop completed the podium timed at in 53.6 seconds.

Florence Wasike reigned in the women’s 400m Hurdles in a time of 61.7 seconds. Mercy Njeri was second in 63.6 while Fancy Cherutich came third in 65.1.

Omulo Okoth for IAAF