With a perfectly executed kick over the final 200 metres, Alex Kipchirchir continued his stellar 2006 campaign, winning a thrilling homestretch battle over Bernard Lagat. The Kenyan, this year’s Commonwealth champion at 800 metres and double African champion, outkicked Lagat over the final 80 metres en route to his 3:32.76 championship record.
“I’m very happy and proud at the same time,” said Kipchirchir, who was the only winner of two Golden League races this season, with wins at Oslo’s Dream Mile and in Rome’s Golden Gala. “I beat all the big names, like (Daniel Kipchirchir) Komen and Lagat. In the last 200 metres, I knew I could beat Komen and I took my chance.”
Lagat, last year’s 3000 winner and runner-up in the 1500, nearly surprised them all when he emerged from the middle of the strung out field off the final bend, but couldn’t muster the strength to overtake Kipchirchir, eventually reaching the line in 3:32.93.
“When Lagat tried to catch me in the last 20 metres, I really had to struggle,” Kipchirchir added.
Augustine Choge, the early leader, finished third in the mad dash for home, clocking 3:33.37, with Moroccan Mahamed Moustaoui fourth (3:33.76).
Kipchirchir Komen, who took the lead as the field passed the bell in 2:38.38, faded in the final stages, finishing 10th (3:34.77).
Bob Ramsak
