Paul
Kosgei in brilliant 10,000m shape, while Lagat’s “mission” stays on target
Omulo Okoth for the IAAF
22 June 2002 - Nairobi - IAAF World Half Marathon Champion Paul Kosgei ran the
fastest 10,000 metres time ever on Kenyan soil as the National
Championships-cum-Commonwealth Games Trials concluded in the city of Nairobi on
Saturday.
Kosgei clocked 27:44.14, slashing almost four seconds off World champion Charles Kamathi's previous mark ( 27:47.33) which was set at last year's Nationals.
John Korir and Wilberforce Talel followed in 27:44.55 and 27:46.70 respectively as Kamathi, bogged down by a recurring groin injury, finished 10th in 28:20.64.
The Cherono brothers - Stephen and Abraham - appear destined for a bright steeplechase future, if their performances at the Kenyan trials are any measure.
Stephen, who holds the world junior steeplechase record, won the Kenyan title in 8:18.02 with Abraham clocking 8:19.26 to take third place. Up and coming Ezekiel Kemboi was second in 8:18.31.
Bernard Lagat lit up the Moi Kasarani stadium with a blistering 3:38.48 victory in the 1500 metres and confirmed his plans for a world record in Paris on July 5 are on course.
"I have won the three races that I came to use to prepare for the mission ahead. I think things are running on pretty well and (Morooco's Hicham) El Guerrouj can expect a good race in Paris," Lagat said.
William Chirchir followed in 3:38.75 and David Kiplak third in 3:40.40. Willy Kirui, Ismael Kirui's and the late Richard Chelimo's younger brother, is also headed for a bright future, having finished second in the 5000m. Kirui clocked 13:39.12 behind Benjamin Limo, who clocked 13:37.57 as Sammy Kipketer followed in 13:41.12.
The Commonwealth Games team was named with the surprise inclusion of Joshua Chelanga (3rd in Boston Marathon last year) in the marathon team due to what Athletics Kenya Secretary General David Okeyo said was Simon Biwott being ill prepared and Rodgers Rop (reigning Boston champion) being unfit.
The team: Men - 20km - David Kimutai; 5000m - Benjamin Limo, Willy Kirui, Sammy Kipketer; 800m - Joseph Mutua, Japheth Kimutai; 10,000m - Paul Kosgei, John Korir, Wilberforce Talel; 3000m sc - Stephen Cherono, Ezekiel Kemboi, Abraham Cherono; 1500 m - William Chirchir, David Kiplak; marathon - Eric Wainaina, Joshua Chelanga.
Women - 5000m - Edith Masai, Inness Chenonge; 800m - Faith Macharia, Selina Kosgei; 10,000m - Susan Chepkemei; 1500m - Jackline Maranga, Naomi Mugo; marathon - Esther Wanjiru.
RESULTS
Men:
100m
1 Stanley Towett (10.70)
2 Evans Raro (10.74)
3 Cosmas Kinyae (10.79)
200m
1 Ezra Sambu (21.10)
2 Stanley Towett
(21.46)
3 Evans Raro (21.51)
400m
1 David Kirui (45.83)
2 Victor Kibet (45.95)
3 Ezra Sambu (46.17)
800m
1 Joseph Mutua (1:45.53)
2 Justus Koech (1:46.10)
3 Nicholas Wachira (1:46.34)
1500m
1 Bernard Lagat (3:38.48)
2 William Chirchir (3:38.75)
3 David Kiplak (3:40.40)
3000m SC
1 Stephen Cherono (8:18.02)
2 Ezekiel Kemboi (8:18.31)
3 Abraham Cherono (8:19.26)
5000m
1 Benjamin Limo (13:37.57)
2 Willy Kirui (13:39.12)
3 Sammy Kipketer (13:41.12)
10,000m
1 Paul Kosgei (27:44.14)
2 John Korir (27:44.55)
3 Wilberforce Talel (27:46.70)
110 m H
1 James Kotut (14.46)
400m H
1 Vincent Mumo (50.80)
Women:
100m
1 Hellen Chetai (12.10)
200m
1 Hellen Chemtai (24.32)
400m
1 Jecinta Wambui (53.82)
800m
1 Faith Macharia (2:04.18)
2 Selina Kosgei (2:05.83)
3 Jane Chelagat (2:08.04)
2000m SC
1 Esther Jebor (6:26.60)
2 Salome Chepchumba (6:31.00)
3 Irene Limika (6:32.51)
5000m
1 Edith Masai (15:36.23)
2 Iness Chenonge (15:38.43)
3 Prisca Chepleting (15:41.13)
1500m
1 Jackline Maranga (4:15.00)
2 Naomi Mugo (4:15.24)
3 Jeruto Kiptum (4:15.33)
100m H
1 Caroline Kola (15.51)
400m H
1 Chematia Chemaringo (61.7)
