Sensational Cheruiyot defends 800m Prisons title

World 1500m silver medalist Timothy Cheruiyot successfully defended his Kenya Prisons 800m title, clocking a new Personal Best (PB) of 1:44.60 on Saturday.

Olympic bronze medalist Margaret Nyairera won the corresponding women’s race in 2:04.80 followed by Naomi Korir who clocked 2:05.4 as Sylvia Chesebe ranked third in 2:06.31 as the championship concluded in Kasarani.

Cheruiyot the reigning Diamond League champion in 1500m led from the gun to tape easily shrugging off his competitors as he improved on his PB of 1:44.74 he set in last year’s championships.

He was trailed by Isaac Kipketer (1:49.37) and Duncan Ololoirusha (1:50.28) who finished second and third respectively.

The Commonwealth Games silver medalist bypassed his specialty and opted to defend his title in 800m as continues his hunt for a third consecutive Diamond League trophy while also preparing for the national championship.

“I decided to defend my title in 800m because I am working on my speed and I am contended with my performance today,” reflected Cheruiyot.

In the women’s 10000m Japan-based Rosemary Wanjiru stunned the 2016 African 10000m champion Alice Aprot to win the race in 31:50.44 as Aprot came home second in 32:10.94 with Pauline Wangui finishing third in 32:48.35

Competing as a guest athlete, Wanjiru said she is firmly focused on the national championships where she expects tougher challenge with tickets to the World championships on the line.

“I am expecting a tough challenge in the nationals which means I must work hard to make it to the national team,” said Wanjiru.

On her part Aprot who has been struggling with a tendon injury on her right leg said she is still on her road to recovery ahead of the nationals.

“For me to finish this race today it shows that I am doing well and I am hoping to even improve more in the coming days,” said Aprot.

World Under-20 1500m champion George Manangoi strolled to victory in the men’s 1500m clocking 3:49.1 ahead of training mate Vincent Keter (3:49.5) and Laban Kiptum (3:49.8) with the trio competing a guests.

In the corresponding women’s race, World Under-20 3000m steeplechase Cellphine Chespol dominated the race clocking 4:12.08 followed by Loice Chemining who timed 4:14.63 while Jackline Wambui was ranked third in 4:19.48.

Earlier on Charles Yose Mneria took top honours in the men’s 5000m after crossing the finish line in 13:43.4 beating former Olympic Games bronze medalist Thomas Longosiwa who placed second in 14:01.1 as Peter Emase closed the podium in 14:05.0.

Geoffrey Mutai won the men’s 400m race in 52.83 with Sammy Rugut finishing second in 53.79 and Erick Kiptoo closing the podium in 55.61.

Prisons were using the event to pick their team ahead of the national championships cum trials for the World Championship slated for August 20-22 at the Nyayo National Stadium.