Stars grace Thika AK meet ahead of Diamond League

Olympians and world medalist graced the third Athletics Kenya (AK) meeting series in Thika at Kiambu County to test their training progress ahead of the Diamond League season set to start next week Friday in Doha.

Though there was a low turnout of athletes, four finals on the first day of the weekend meeting creamed the low-key event at the Thika Municipality stadium.

Peter Muindi of the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) took the men’ s 10000m victory in 28:44:0.  While Geoffrey Barosei and Bernard Mosonik clocked 28:54:6 and 28:58:0 for second and third places.

“My victory here gave me gave me a lot confidence in my training. I was able to check on my endurance and know what else to work on as I prepare for the KDF championships next month. I hope I shall be selected to represent my employer at the nationals. I’m targeting a slot in Team Kenya,” Muindi said.

After a disappointing outing at the Rio Olympics, world 5000m silver medalist Caleb Mwangangi competed in the 25 lap event to test his endurance levels.

“This is part of my preparations for London IAAF World Athletics Championships. I will be opening my season next month at the Doha Diamond League.  I shall also run in the 1500m  event to test my speed.” Said Mwangangi.

Pamela Cherotich braved the afternoon heat to claim the 5000m women’s finals in 16:25:2. Emily Chebet tried to outsprint Cherotich in the last 100m but clocked 16:25:5 for second place. Mercy Njoroge stoppped the timer at 16:26:0.

In women’s 800m finals,  world cross champion Winfred Mbithe stopped the timmer at 2:06:8 to take women’s race.  Loice Chemunung finished second in 2:07:9 while Betty Chepkemoi settled for third place in 2:08.6.

“I was not top shape when I was in Kampala and that’s why I opted to race in the 800m to test my speed and endurance as i prepare for my usual event which is the 1500m. It’s my first meeting after Kampala,” Mbithe stated.

Meanwhile, the weekend meetings in Nakuru (May 5 & 6) and in Kisii (May 12&13) have been postponed to pave way for AK’s county and national elections.

Day 1 Finals

Men 10,000m

1. Peter Muindi 28:44.0
2. Geoffrey Barosei 28:54.6
3. Bernard Kibet Mosonik 28:58.0
4. Johnson Meyoki 28:59.0
5. Hilary Kitiyo 29:07.0
6. Caleb Mwangangi 29:14.7
7. Bernard Musau 29:15.5

5,000m Women

1. Pamela Cherotich 16:25.2
2. Emily Chebet 16:25.5
3. Mercy Njoroge 16:26.0
4. Miriam Cherop 16:27.2
5. Peninah Kandie 16:32.2
6. Catherine Syokau 16:36.0
7. Vaati Ndolo 16:38.1

800 Women

1. Winfred Mbithe 2:06.8
2. Loice Chemunung 2:07.9
3. Betty Chepkemoi 2:08.6
4. Jarinta Mawia 2:13.2
5. Angla Ndungwa 2:15.8
6. Jacinta Apesa 2:18.3
7. Stella Kasyoka 2:18.8

3,000m Steeplechase

1. Joan Chepkemoi 10:10.0

2.Debora Samum 10:16.0

3. Abigael Chelangat 10:29.5
4. Irene Kimaisi 10:39.0
5. Joyce Chepkemoi 10:30.6
6. Purity Nganga 10:48.0
7. Mercy Kiptoo 10:58.2