CAA African U18/U20 Combined Championships trials gun-off in Nakuru

Fresh from making his Diamond League debut in Stockholm, Kipkoech was in a class of his own as he dominated the men’s 12.5 lap race from gun to tape, clocking 13 minutes 42.37 seconds.

Kipkoech, who won silver at last year’s World U20 Championships in Lima, stretched his lead in the final lap to comfortably cross the finish line ahead of Franklin Kibet of Nairobi, who finished second in 13:45.08.

USA-based Ronald Koech settled for third in 13:45.87.

The 19-year-old Kipkoech, who previously placed fourth at both the U20 Cross Country Championships in Machakos and Ol-Kalou, now emerges as one of Kenya's top gold medal contenders for the African Championships in Nigeria.

In the women’s 5000m, Cynthia Chepkirui of Lemotit Training Camp delivered a dominant performance to win in 15:37.83 while Joyline Chepkemoi followed closely in 15:44.83, while Miriam Chemotai, also from Lemotit, completed the podium with a time of 15:47.13.

While speaking to citizen digital after the win, Chepkirui was full of praise to her coach who she credits for the victory.

“I want to thank my coach Paul Kemei for the good training he has done with us.”

“The training has helped me and made me endure in the race to hold on and win. I promise to bring the gold medal home.”

In the U18 women hurdles, rising star Celestine Jepleting of Kabirisang Secondary, a Form 2 student and the reigning KSSSA champion, claimed the girls’ 400m hurdles title in 1:02.99.

Jepleting is coached by former world 800m champion Janeth Jepkosgei and is seen as a strong prospect for the upcoming continental championships. Valeria Nyabeki finished second.

Athletics Kenya plans to select a total of 45 athletes from the trials, 18 for the U18 category and 27 for U20—as Kenya eyes a strong showing in Abeokuta, Nigeria from July 16 to 20 in Abeokuta in Nigeria.