Kamais, Koros rule the roost as KDF athletics championships end
Irene Kamais humbled big names including former World Half marathon record holder Joyciline Jepkosgei to claim victory in the women’s 10,000 race as the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Championships came to an end at Nyayo Stadium yesterday.
In the absence of two-time world 5,000m Champion Hellen Obiri, who two days ago won the 5,000m, Kamais had little opposition on the day.
The three-day championship came to an end yesterday at the Nyayo National Stadium with the military side using the games to select their team ahead of the national trials for Olympics Games set for June 17-19.
Kamais representing Thika Barracks clocked 32:01.19 with Joyce Chepkemoi coming in second in 32:12.96 with Jepkosgei of Modika trailing in distant third with 32:23.39.
“It was really tough because I was up against very competitive athletes. Weighing my performance, I think I did my best considering to win today,” said Kamais who finished third in the previous edition held in 2019.
In the men’s 5,000m, Collins Koros emerged victorious to add to his 10,000m title he won on Monday.
Koros clocked 13:39.56 ahead of Abel Mutai 13:39.59 and Vedic Cheruiyot who finished third in 13:47.74.
Koros taking pride in yet another win having only started active running in under five years.
In the men’s 800m AfricanGames 800m silver medallist Cornelius Tuwei carried the day in1:44.63 , Jonathan Kitilit 1:45.56 and Nicholas Kiplangat 1:47.28 finished second and third respectively.
African High Jump champion Mathew Sawe representing Thika retained his title at the championship after managing a 2.20m jump.
The championships was graced by Defence Cabinet Secretary Monica Juma.
