Kandie, Chepkirui triumphant at WU18 pre-trials

The World Under-18 Championships pre-trials came to a triumphant close for Cleophas Kandie as he raced to the boys’ 2,000m steeplechase glory at the Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret.

Kandie ran a winning 5:36.2 ahead of Allan Kiplimo (5:38.6) and Gilbert Sang (5:41.6) who settled for second and third.

Mercy Chepkirui clocked 6:27.6 to clinch first place in the girls’ category with Caren Chebet and Betty Chepkemoi racing home to complete the top podium places.

The event precedes the national trials which will be held in Nairobi next month where selectors will pick the final team that will represent the country at the forthcoming IAAF World Under-18 Championships in July.

In the boys’ 800 meters, Kaka Laila finished top after stopping the timer at 1 minute 47.9 seconds ahead of Abraham Kipkoech who clocked 1 minute 48.8 seconds.

The 1500 meters girls’s event was predominantly a primary school affair after Edna Chebitok finished first with 4.30.6, ahead of Jepkoech Lagat who finished second in 4.31.9. Esther Wambui from Central region came in third position after clocking 4:34.0.

Justus Kiplagat claimed the top podium place in the boys’ category after clocking 3:42.2 ahead of Jacob Kosgei (3:45.2). Wesley Rono finished third (3:45.5).