Kip Keino Classic: Dancing Moraa sets record to bag gold, Kibiwot reclaims crown

World 800m Champion Mary Moraa clocked 1:57.96 to set a new meet record to bag gold mat the fifth edition of Kip Keino Classic held Saturday at a cheerful Nyayo National Stadium.

The dancing queen who was aiming to lower her personal best relegated her main rival Vivian Kiprotich who bagged silver in 1:58.93 as Nelly Chirchir settled for bronze after timing 1:58.98.

Though she fell short of her target of clocking 1:56, Moraa expressed her joy stating that the win catalyzed the plans of her fully-packed season.

“I’m happy for today’s performance. I had planned to lower my personal best but I was unable to. However, this makes me glad. I’m now going to sit down with my coach and plan on how to achieve the dream in the upcoming events.”

In men’s 3,000m steeplechase, Abraham Kibiwot clocked 8:20.56 to win for the third time while Serem Amos and Matthew Kosgei pulled their muscles to bag silver and bronze respectively.

Kibiwott who participated and registered good results at the Sirikwa Classic and Kenya Police Championships wants to fuel his ambitions even further.

 “I felt well. I now have a hat-trick in this meet. I’m ready for Doha Diamond League and the trials for the Paris Olympics. In all these, I’m fired up.”

Meanwhile Reynold Cheruiyot timed 3:31.96 to lead Brian Komen [3:32.29] and Daniel Munguti [3:33.71] to a Kenyan sweep in the men’s 1,500m.

In the women’s steeplechase, Stella Rutto led in crossing the line at 9:39.57, Leah Jeruto second in 9:39.94 as Daisy Jepkemei contented with bronze – 9:41.13.