Athletes compete in the men's 5,000m/ TEDDY MULEIYoungster Emmanuel Lemiso and Faith Cherotich will spearhead Nairobi region's charge at the National championships scheduled for next week (June 18-20) after delivering commanding performances at the region's track and field championships on Wednesday at the Nairobi West Prison grounds.
Lemiso underlined his growing credentials in the men's 3,000m, storming to victory in 8:21.6 ahead of Peter Rono (8:23.3) and Vincent Abei (8:44.3), who completed the podium.
For Lemiso, the Nairobi region championships served as a perfect tune-up as he readies for the World U20 championships in Eugene, Oregon, in August.
"The race was a good tune-up for the World U20 Championships, and I enjoyed it," he said.
His attention now turns to next week's national showpiece, where he hopes to build on his impressive form. "The focus now is to sharpen my form in training for the nationals. I am going for victory," he said.
Lemiso also doubled up in the 1,500m, where he finished third in 3:56.0. Johnson Tengesi claimed top honours in 3:49.8, narrowly ahead of Solomon Kiprop, who clocked 3:50.3. Lemiso explained that the 1,500m outing was part of his quest to sharpen his finishing speed. "I ran the 1,500m to get speed. The results were not what I wanted, but I am happy I finished on the podium."
In the women's 5,000m, Faith Cherotich showcased her strength and tactical awareness, timing 15:53.1 to edge out Enit Yeko, who crossed the line in 15:53.6. Tabitha Wanjiru completed the podium in 16:16.1. Cherotich revealed that the race formed part of her preparations for the World U20 Championships set for August in Eugene, Oregon. "The race was good. I was using it as part of my build-up for the World U20," she said.
She added that careful race execution played a key role in her victory. "I timed my race well, reacted well and was able to win."
With the national showdown looming, Cherotich will be chasing double success as she lines up in both the 3,000m steeplechase and the 5,000m. "At the national championships, I will run the 3,000m steeplechase and the 5,000m."
"Running at the nationals will give me good motivation as I prepare for the World U20 in Oregon," she said.
Meanwhile, Yeko was pleased with her runner-up finish after returning from the Nairobi City marathon 10km race last weekend. "I am happy with the second-place finish, especially coming from the Nairobi City Marathon where I ran the 10K."
At the Nairobi City marathon, Yeko clocked 31:38 to finish second behind Phane Jairus, who won in 31:27. "I had some fatigue, but I heard there were the Nairobi Championships, so I decided to participate and fight for a slot."
Yeko disclosed that her race strategy was to stretch the field early and test the younger athletes. "I went ahead early because these junior athletes have a lot of speed, so if you burn them early, they will struggle to close the gap."
At the National Championships, she will be targeting a podium finish. "At the nationals, I will push myself to at least secure the podium."
Third-placed Wanjiru, who is only 15 years old and a Grade 10 student at Kiambogo Senior School, was delighted with her performance against a more experienced field. "The race was very competitive because I am still a junior and I was running against seniors."
At the Nationals, she will be aiming for a top-three finish. "My focus is to finish in the top three at the nationals."
The men's 5,000m saw Paul Kimani claim victory in 14:27.5 ahead of Benjamin Kiprop (14:50.2) and Kenneth Maiyo (14:57.5).
In the women's 1,500m, Anastasha Cheptoo produced an impressive run to win in 4:24.3, ahead of Abigael Cheptoo (4:37.7) and Beth Kerubo (4:43.8).
"I am happy with the results. It was a very competitive race."
"I came to see which areas I need to sharpen before the World U20. I need to improve my speed from now," she said.
Meanwhile, Abigael admitted that the race exposed areas she needs to improve. "The race was very challenging. I lacked the endurance to keep up with number one," she said. After missing out on Team Kenya for the World U20 Championships, she is determined to make amends at the National Championships. "I was at the World U20 trials, but I was not able to make the cut for Team Kenya. I want to make that up at the national championships."
