Kenyan world record holder in the 3,000 metres steeplechase, Beatrice Chepkoech, and bronze medalist in the same event at the 2018 Commonwealth Games, Amos Kirui, made successful comebacks at the Absa Kip Keino Classic held at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani on Saturday.
Chepkoech, who has been out of action due to a leg injury, won the women’s race in 9 minutes and 13.51 seconds, leading from the start and edging out world under-20 champion Faith Cherotich, who came in second in 9:15.08.
Jackline Chepkoech, the Commonwealth Games champion, was third in 9:25.63. Meanwhile, Kirui took the men’s race, clocking 8:08.45 and beating defending champion Abraham Kibiwott, who finished second in 8:09.71. Leonard Bett finished third with a time of 8:10.02.
Kirui said that the race was part of his preparations ahead of the World Athletics Championships scheduled for August 19 to 27 in Budapest, Hungary.
Kibiwott, who was aiming to retain his title, said he was happy with his second place finish but acknowledged that Kirui was stronger on the day.
In the men’s 200m race, Canada’s Aaron Brown emerged victorious with a time of 20.12 seconds, beating Kyree King from the USA, who finished in second place with a season-best time of 20.18 seconds.
Brown expressed his excitement at his strong performance, stating that he would like to run even faster this season. He also expressed his desire for the World Championships to be held in Africa, citing Kenya’s impressive talent as evidence that the continent is a worthy host for the global event.
In other events, Zambia’s Muzala Samukonga won the men’s 400 metres race in a meet record time of 44.25 seconds, beating Vernon Norwood from the United States of America, who came in second with a season’s best time of 44.68.
Frenchman Gilles Biron finished third with a personal best time of 45.52, while Kenya’s Boniface Mweresa came fourth with a season’s best time of 45.73.
In the women’s 400 metres, Mercy Koech won with a time of 52.42, followed by Asimenye Simwaka in second with a season’s best time of 52.78, and Mercy Chebet in third with a time of 53.35. Oketch, who won the women’s race, said that her personal best time was a good start and hoped to build on it going forward.
