Obiri now sets sights on Kip Keino Classic
After a sterling performance in the sixth and the final leg of the Wanda Diamond League on Friday, world 5000m champion Hellen Obiri says she has turned her attention to the forthcoming Kip Keino classic slated for October 3 in Nairobi.
Obiri clocked a world leading time of 8:22.54 to win the women’s 3,000m race dominated by Kenyans.
She proved that her recent form that saw her seal her third 3,000m victory wasn’t a fluke.
Obiri, the 2015 world 5,000m champion led with 200m to go as Beatrice Chepkoech and world 10,000m bronze medallist Agnes Jebet gave a spirited chase.
Jebet beat Chepkoech on the line to take second place in a personal best of 8:22.92 as the steeplechase world record holder came in third also with a PB of 8:22.92.
Two other Kenyans also followed in personal bests - world 5,000m silver medallist Margaret Chelimo (8:24.76) and Olympic 3,000m steeplechase silver medallist Hyvin Kiyeng (8:25.13).
“Doha has become more like a second home to me as I have won so many races including the world championships last year.
I love coming back to Doha. I have had the opportunity of training in Doha for about a month in preparation for this month and I believe it has helped me to get in shape and acclimatize well.
The season has not been the best for everyone but I am happy it is coming to an end.
We are now focusing on next year but my main focus now is next month’s Kip Keino classic,” Obiri said.
Athletics Kenya (AK) has released the provisional entry list for core events.
The one-day event is classified into three categories -- core, discretionary and national events.
Core events include 200m, hammer, triple jump and 3000m steeplechase both for men and women.
Discretionary events include; 400m, 800m, 1,500m, 5000m both for men and women and javelin throw for men.
Obiri and world silver medallist Margaret Chelimo will lead Kenya’s contingent in the race while in the corresponding men’s race, world 10,000m bronze medallist Rhonex Kipruto will lead compatriots Jacob Krop and Nicholas Kimeli.
World 3,000m steeplechase champion Conseslus Kipruto is also in the start list and will renew his rivalry with El Bakkali who won the Monaco Diamond League last month.
World junior champion Celliphine Chespol is also set to make her first appearance of the season in the women’s Steeplechase event.
National 200m record holder Mike Mokamba and Peter Mwai will take on Cisse Aurthur of Ivory Coast, Rodgers Mike of USA and Dambile Sinesipho of South Africa, while Eunice Kadogo is the only Kenyan the corresponding women’s race.
World 1,500m champion Timothy Cheruiyot has also been confirmed alongside compatriots Boaz Kiprugut, Timothy Sein, Charles Simotwo, Edwin Melly among others.
World Under-20 3000m steeplechase silver medallist Leonard Bett as well and Abraham Kibiwott are also in the mix.
Also, in the provisional list released by Athletics Kenya (AK) are world 5,000m silver medallist Selemon Barega of Ethiopia and Africa 100m silver medallist Cisse Arthur of Ivory Coast.
According to meet director Barnaba Korir, more than 175 athletes have expressed interest in the event.
Korir explained that the Local Organizing Committee is planning to host the foreign athletes in hotels going by the categories of the events.
Similarly, Korir disclosed that a committee has been set up to work in collaboration with the Ministry of Health to enforce government regulations on Covid-19 protocols.
The event will commence at 8am in the morning beginning with national events with the core events that will be streamed on is set to start at 4pm in the evening for a period of two hours.
