Three Prison records fall as meet ends at Nyayo

London 2012 Olympics 5000m bronze medallist, Thomas Longosiwa, Maureen Jelagat and Timothy Cheruiyot broke three Kenya Prisons track and field Records as the concluded their three day meeting at Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday.

Longosiwa put together a 13:30.3 winning mark in his specialty that also qualified him for the Rio 2016 Olympics in a display of top form at punishing elevation in 5000m men’s final as Jelagat crossed the line in 57.9 in the women 400m final to set a new Prisons mark.

“The race was a bit tricky because of the weather, though I came here to test my speed work, as I prepare for the Olympics.

“Though I did not get much challenge I believe I could have done better since my body is responding well,” Longosiwa during a post-race interview at Nyayo Stadium.

Training partner, Cornelius Kagogo settled for second by clocking 13:46.9, as Peter Emase representing Rift Valley came third in 13:46.8.

“Today’s race was very tough, it being our first race in Kenya together with Longosiwa. We were testing how our bodies are responding to the training and during the last few laps I relaxed to test on my finishing kick which I need to polish up before leaving for Rabat Diamond league on May 20 where I shall be running 3000m,” Kagogo added after losing his title to the veteran.

In the 1500m men’s Cheruiyot broke away from his challengers in a searing last lap to also beat the Olympics qualification bar with his impressive 3:36.1 victory as Mark Bett clocked in 3:41.6 for silver ahead of Mathew Kiptanui who took the third medal in 3:41.9.

Paris Marathon champion, Visiline Jepkesho withdrew from the 10,000m women event that was won by Africa Cross Champion Alice Aprot in 31:41.8 followed closely by Pauline Wangui in 33:45.1 as Pamela Cherotich clocked 33:56.0 for the final podium place.

“I had back pains and by the 10th lap felt I could not ignore it and I opted to drop out because I did not want to pick an injury,” Jepkesho disclosed.

Wilfred Kimitei produced a strong finish to conquer a field that had last year’s Boston Marathon champion, Mark Mutai and 2007 Osaka Worlds marathon winner, Luke Kibet to clinch the men 10000m title as the track and field action of the Kenya Prisons Championships got underway on Friday.

Kimitei produced a searing last two-lap sustained surge to take the honours in 29:26.2 as Peter Emase and Frederick Moranga clocked 29:28.8 and 29:32.3 to share the podium with the dominant winner.

The women’s 5000m final went according to script with Nancy Nzisa –the pre-race favorite- comfortably coming home for the title in 16:02.5 well clear of Catherine Syokau who came in second in 16:13.0 as Valentine Kibii clocked 16:27.1 for third in an event where the field strung out into a procession.

Selected results

Men

100m

1. Ferdinard Omanyala 10.75

2.Stephen Baraza 10.79

3.Michael Ngugi 11.07

400m

1. David Chemjor 46.3

2. Kelvin Kiprotich 46.8

3. Leonard Mutuku 47.3

1500m

1. Timothy Cheruiyot 3:36.1

2. Mark Bett 3:41.6

3. Mathew Kiptanui 3:36.1

5000m

1. Thomas Longosiwa 13:30.3

2. Cornelius Kangogo 13:46.9

3. Peter Emase 13:48.8

10000m

1. Wilfred Kimitei 29:26.2

2. Peter Emase 29:29.8

3. Fredrick Moranga 29:32.3

110m Hurdles

1. Samuel Korir 14.6

2. Dennis Kimeu 15.1

3. Silas Mbaka 15.2

400m Hurdles

1. Vincent Koskei 51.4

2. Stephen Tenai 52.5

3. Eric Kiptoo 52.8

Women

100m

1. Elizabeth Nekesa 12:55
2. Marcela Nyaboke 12.67
3. Damaris Mbula 12.71

400m

1. Maureen Chelagat 52.4
2. Silyvia Chesebe 53.2
3. Nevian Michira 55.3

1500m

1. Tabitha Gichia 4:30.8
2. Sheila Jerotich 04:31.4
3. Vivian Chepkurui 04:31.7

5000m

1. Nancy Nzisa 16:02.5
2. Catherine Syokau 16:13.0
3. Valentine Kibii 16:27.1

10,000m

1. Alice Aprot 31:41.8
2. Pauline Wangui 33:45.1
3. Pamela Cherotich 33:56.0

100m Hurdles

1. Gladys Ngure 15.5
2. Florence Wasike 15.7
3. Hynes Chepkemoi 15.9

400m Hurdles

1. Maureen Chelagat 57.9
2. Gladys Ngure 63.1
3. Florence Wasike 63.4