Hellen Obiri Wins 10,000m Race.
Two-time world 5000m champion Hellen Obiri had to dig deep to win the women’s 10000m race as Athletics Kenya trials for World Championships and Commonwealth Games kicked off Friday at the Kasarani Stadium.
Obiri who has competed in road races for the better part of this season returned to the track to win the 25-lap race in 31:49.88
Sheila Chepkirui came home second in 31:50.13 while Margaret Chelimo sealed the podium in 31:50.22
Having secured the 5000m ticket by virtue of being the defending champion, Obiri said she is yet to decide the race she will compete in Oregon.
“I have been out of the track for some time and I think I have alot to do when it comes to my speed. For sure I am not going to double in Oregon, I will compete in one event after consultation with my coaches,” said Obiri who finished fifth in 10000m at the 2019 World Championships.
World Under-20 3000m steeplechase champion Amos Serem obliterated a strong field en route to winning the water and barrier race.
Serem clocked 8:17.03 with Abraham Kibiwott (8:17.79) and defending champion Conseslus Kipruto (8:18.21) finishing second and third respectively.
With Kenya having lost the steeplechase crown in Tokyo Games last year, Serem has urged Kenyans to trust the team to deliver in Oregon.
“I am happy to have won this race today ahead of my seniors. I can assure Kenyans that we will work together so that we can retain our title,” said an elated Serem.
His sentiments were echoed by Kipruto who had already secured his slot being the defending champion.
“I know the responsibility that we carry as a team to Oregon and Birmingham. Personally, I think I am returning to my best and I promise that we won’t disappoint Kenyans,” he said.
Mary Moraa ran a new personal best mark of to win the women’s 800m race. Moraa held off a stiff competition from Olympic 1500m champion Faith Kipyegon who came home second.
“I feel I still have a lot to do before competing in Oregon. I can do much better than this,” she said