John Korir (137) running in the 2005 Kenyan Armed Forces Championships - Salim Kipsang (left in green kit) (© Omulo Okoth)
Salim Kipsang, who won the Paris Marathon last month, was beaten to second place in 10,000m as the Kenyan Armed Forces Championships kicked off on Friday (27 May).
Kipsang, who was timed 28:42.5, was beaten by John Korir, who won in 28:24.1 as 2002 Commonwealth Games 3,000m steeplechase bronze medallist Abraham Cherono followed in third place in 28:47.1.
The race featured some prominent names who fell by the wayside, like the former Boston Marathon third placer Joshua Chelanga who started well in the initial stages but finished outside the top 10.
Korir, Cherono and Kipsang broke from the leading group with six laps to go and it was soon obvious who was going for the title. Korir evoked old memories of his long strides that three years ago saw him run the fastest time at altitude as he dashed to victory.
Yet Korir was not happy with his time despite the victory. "I have won but I have to improve on my speed. I have not won a major title but this could be my year," said Korir.
"I am not surprised that I did not win the race given my recent marathon training regime. I am more used to training for the marathon, so I am not really disappointed. This is helping me build my speed," said Kipsang.
Rita Sitienei won the women's 10,000m in 33:23.6, with Rose Cheratic following home in 34:14.7
The star-studded Armed Forces Championships attracts some of the east African nation's world class athletes. Reigning Olympics 3000m Steeplechase champion Ezekiel Kemboi and Sydney 2000 Olympics 1500m champion Noah Ngeny will both battle at their respective distances on Saturday.
Omulo Okoth (The Standard) for IAAF
Leading results:
MEN:
10,000m
1. John C. Korir 28:24.1
2. Salim Kipsang 28:42.5
3. Abraham Cherono 28:47.1
Hammer
1. Morris Omoro 48.94m
2. Paul Kipkorir 47.54
3. Kimeli Tanui 47.13
Long Jump
1. Silas Kosgei 7.46m
2. Robert Kemei 7.34
3. Amos Too 7.20
WOMEN
10,000m
1. Rita Sitienei 33:23.6
2. Rose Cheratich 34:14.7
3. Wilfred Mutua 34:27.4
Javelin
1. Teresiah Mwendia 34.78
2. Monica Lagat 34.00
3. Chematia Chemaringo 31.48
High Jump
1. Janet Jepchumba 1.55
2. Anne Mbithe 1.47
3. Lydia Chepkorir 1.38
