Krop shines in 5000m as Ethiopia’s Girma sets World lead in women’s race
Jacob Krop saved his best for last as he raced to victory in the men’s 5000m at the Kip Keino Classic on Saturday May 7. Krop who was third for most of the race burst to victory in a time of 13:12.19 ahead of Daniel Mateiko(13:13.45) and national champion Daniel Ebenyo Simiyu who came in third place in a time of 13:45.51.
Before the race all eyes were on former World junior champion Edward Zakayo. The Kenyan who has had hiccups in his comeback finished a distant fifth in a time of 13:20.51. The highest ranked non-kenyan in the race was Ethiopia’s Nibret Melak(13:22.85).
In the men’s 400m, national champion Collins Omae was beaten by William Ryan of Police in a race that saw a close contest in the first three positions. Ryan clocked a time of 45.51(SB) to finish ahead of Omae who also posted a season best of 46.03. In the women’s race. Miranda Coetzee of South Africa clinched the race in a time of 51.50 ahead of USA’s Wadeline Jonathas (51.71). Kenya’s Veronica Mutua was 6th in a personal best time of 53.01.
Ethiopia’s dominance in the women's 5000m continued when national champion Girmawit Gebregziabher set a World leading time this year of 14:49.98 to win the race. Gebregziabher was unstoppable from the onset, perhaps sending a signal of what to expect in the Africa Senior Athletics Championships to be held in Mauritius from June 8-12. Daisy Chepkemei of Kazakhstan(15:08.97) came in second.
