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News17 Jul 2004


Men's 3000m Steeplechase

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Kenya have not lost a title at this event since 1994 and Ronald Rutto Kipchumba refused to let the tradition die, forcing himself past his former countryman, now citizen of Qatar Obaid Musa Amer, in a thrilling climax to the 3000m steeplechase. Rutto Kipchumba outdipped Amer on the line, running a personal best 8:23.32, with Amer setting a new Asian record of 8:23.38, just behind.

The race had been closely fought from the gun, with Rutto keeping himself at the head of the leaders, who also included his countryman Nathan Kibet Naibei, Amer, another Qatari Moustafa Shebto, and Barnabas Kimwogo of Uganda. Rutto went through 1000m in 2:47.66 and began to increase the pace, burning off all but this group of five.

At 2000m, reached in 5:38.11, the Qataris began to attack, but Rutto forced his way back into contention, taking the lead again to hit the bell with 7:21.19 on the clock. With only 400m to go, Rutto was now being chased by the two Qataris, and at 200m, Amer sprinted into the lead.

Yet the smaller Rutto was better at negotiating the obstacles and with Amer hesitating at the last barrier, Rutto knew he still had a chance. He dug deep into his reserves and found just enough speed to take him over the line in first place. Qatar cleaned up the other medals, with Amer joined on the podium by Moustafa Ahmed Shebto who ran a personal best of 8.26.04.

Nabei finished fourth with 8:30.77 and Kimwogo of Uganda in fifth with 8:37.23, both personal bests.

The first five were all born in Kenya.

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