Three-time World Half marathon champion Geoffrey Kamworor made a light work of his opponents ruling the 10000m race as the National Police Service athletics championships entered its second and final day at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani.
Kamworor representing Western dominated the race from the gun to finish clocking 27:50.65 with Josephat Bett of Central finishing a distant second in 28:40.58 as Joseph Kiptum of North Eastern placed third in 28:40.74.
In his post-race reflection, Kamworor disclosed that he was eager to make it to the national team for the World Championship with only one mission-to clinch his maiden gold at the World championships.
“I have been longing for a gold medal in the World Championships and when I won silver in 2015 I am still motivated to go a step further and win gold,” Kamworor said.
After relinquishing his title at this year’s World Cross Country championships, Kamworor says today’s race was a test of his endurance as he resumes on track.
“Winning a bronze at the World Cross was a great result for me because I did my best and I think the cross country gave me a good build up towards my season,” he added.
The Kaptagat-based athlete who is fresh from breaking course record at the Grand Prix de Berne10 miles in Switzerland last month, said he opted to enter this year’s Copenhagen Half marathon field as a cushion if he fails to qualify for the Worlds.
“I have the Copenhagen race as plan B if I fail to make it to the national team for the World Championsship,” revealed Kamworor.
Elsewhere the 2015 World 3000m steeplechase champion Hyvin Kiyeng ran to victory in the women 5000m clocking 15:35.04 with Jackline Cherotich (15:36.43) and Margaret Wangare (15:49.61) placing second and third respectively.
Kiyeng who also trains at Kaptagat alongside Kamworor said she will be competing in her speciality at the trials with her eyes firmly set on reclaiming her title.
” I was using this race as part of my endurance but I will be competing in Steeplechase at the trials because right now my aim is to win gold in Doha,” revealed Kiyeng.
Meanwhile Joan Cherono returned to winning ways clinching the 400m title in 52.85 with Gladys Musyoki (53.62) and Elizabeth Katungwa (55.48) ranking second and third respectively.
The 400m national record holder in the women category Hellen Syombua was unlucky as she dropped off in the women’s 200m with a muscle strain with Eunice Kadogo eventually winning the race.
The curtains came down today on the two-day championship which Police were using to select their team for the national championships which will also double up as trials for the World Championships.
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