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News13 Jul 2008


Men's 3000m Steeplechase

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A gallant last lap effort from Jonathan Muia Ndiku won the men's 3000m steeplechase on Sunday's final day of the 12th IAAF World Junior Championships.

Ndiku's effort – 8:17.28 – to win the final was a personal best.

The Kenyan trailed for the entire race, as it wasn't until the home straight he overtook leader Benjamin Kiplagat of Uganda.

Kiplagat, who led from the start, weakened during the last lap and could not reply when he was overtaken.

Kiplagat, who had a 15m lead at the 1000m mark, which he past in 2:34.51 seconds, extended his lead after 2000m.

At this point, Kiplagat was timed in 5:23.21, and although he reached the bell lap at 7:09.7 with a 10m lead, that was all he had left in him.

 Kiplagat finished second in 8:19.24 while Kenya's other entire, Legese Lamiso, who was toe-to-toe with Kiplagat until the last lap, was third in 8:25.14, also a personal best effort.

Ndiku said he knew he would have caught up with Kiplagat, because "Kenyan runners just work harder."

As for Kiplagat, who gave up a very good lead, "I was running probably too fast, then I had less power to win."

Dereje Abdi and Legese Lamiso, both Ethiopians, who were alongside the Kenyans up to the half way stage, dropped back to fourth and fifth in 8:32.98 and 8:38.34 respectively.

Anthony Foster for the IAAF

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