Festus Kimorwo of Sinonin Training Camp is eyeing a breakthrough performance in the 10,000m at the upcoming Kip Keino Classic on May 31, after storming to victory in the 5,000m during the final leg of the Athletics Kenya track and field weekend meeting at Ulinzi Sports Complex on Thursday.
Kimorwo clocked 13:42.74, outkicking Silas Senchura (13:44.95) and Pasanjo Gitonga (13:49.15) in a dramatic sprint finish. The win came just weeks after he finished second to Senchura in the 10,000m at the same venue, where he posted a personal best of 29:09.90.
“My focus is now on the Kip Keino Classic. I’ll be running the 10,000m, and I’m aiming to lower my personal best to 28 minutes,” Kimorwo said. “The race today was tough, but I saw Senchura was fading, and I took my chance.”
With the 10,000m race missing from the weekend schedule, Kimorwo opted for the 5,000m to stay sharp ahead of the Kip Keino meet.
Senchura, also targeting the 10,000m at Kip Keino, admitted he was no match for Kimorwo’s finishing kick. “My energy drained in the last lap. I couldn’t keep up, but I’m proud of second place,” he said. “I’ll now work on my speed to complement my endurance. My target is to make the team for the World Championships.”
In the women’s 3,000m steeplechase, Sharon Chepkemoi of Lemotit Training Camp dominated, clocking 9:57.27 to lead a clean sweep for her camp. She was followed by teammates Diana Chepkemoi (9:58.97) and Anastasia Cheptoo (10:11.39).
“I didn’t expect to go sub-10 minutes given the heat, but I stayed composed and finished strong,” said Sharon. “I’m grateful for the teamwork — it made all the difference. Now I turn my focus to the Kip Keino Classic.”
Diana Chepkemoi echoed her sentiments: “I’m glad for the second-place finish. We worked together as a team and it paid off.” Cheptoo, finishing third, added, “The weather was challenging, but I’m content. My focus now is on the World Championships trials.”
In the women’s hammer throw, Roseline Rakamba emerged victorious with a throw of 54.94m, beating Nancy Kanini (47.88m) and Rebecca Kerubo (45.30m).
