Chepkoech sets new world best, Omanyala wins in Zagreb

Kenya’s Beatrice Chepkoech smashed the women’s 2000m steeplechase world best at the Memorial Boris Hanžeković Continental Tour Gold meeting held last night in Zagreb, Croatia.

Chepkoech clocked five minutes, 47.42 seconds to lower the previous record of 5:52.80 set by Gesa Krause of Germany in 2019.

Another Kenyan Winnie Jemutai finished second in 5:52.92 with Marusa Zrimsek of Slovakia placing third in a national record of 5:53.38

The 32-year old also holds the world record over the women’s 3000m steeplechase and recently bagged silver at the World Championships in Budapest.

“I had one world record and now I have two, so I am lucky,” said Chepkoech, who has returned this season after injury in 2022. “It is all about staying focused and positive, and I thank god I was able to run well during the season.”

Meanwhile, Ferdinand Omanyala returned to winning ways after clocking 9.94 seconds to triumph in the men’s 100m ahead of Oblique Seville of Jamaica who finished second in 10.07 seconds while Olympic champion Marcell Jacobs of Italy placed third in 10.08 seconds.