Kenya reel from rare steeplechase defeat at Kip Keino Classic

Kenya’s 3,000m steeplechase stranglehold came under pressure on home soil after Ethiopia’s Gemechu Godana stunned the field to win the men’s water and barrier race at the Kip Keino Classic in Nairobi on Friday.

In a race that exposed rare cracks in Kenya’s dominance, African bronze medallist Simon Koech led the home charge but had no answer to Gemechu’s late surge, the Ethiopian storming to a meeting record of 8mins 14.55seconds at Nyayo Stadium.

Koech clocked 8:15.71 for second place as Leonard Bett sealed the podium in third, while world bronze medallist Edmund Serem faded to fourth in a performance he later admitted fell short of expectations.

“I executed the race poorly. I didn’t manage the pace well and left too much for the end. That’s something I have to correct going forward,” said Serem.

Olympic bronze medallist Abraham Kibiwott, who finished fifth, remained optimistic despite the setback, insisting Kenya’s grip on the event is far from over.

“This is just the beginning of the season. There is more to come from us. We are working on our rhythm and sharpness, and I believe Kenya’s dominance in the steeplechase will show this year,” said Kibiwott.

Gemechu, who tactically conserved energy before unleashing a decisive kick in the final 200m, relished the victory on Kenyan soil.

“Beating Kenyans at home makes this win special. I’m looking forward to the Africa Championships and I believe I can win again,” he said.

The result signals a growing challenge from Ethiopia in a race long dominated by Kenya, setting up an intriguing battle heading into the rest of the season.