Chepkoech eyeing African glory in Mauritius

World Under-20 3000m steeplechase champion Jackline Chepkoech has taken the senior ranks by storm, lifting the Athletics Kenya (AK) national title.

Up against experienced runners in the water and barrier race, Chepkoech displayed amazing front running skills to lead from gun to tape to clock 9:26.12 ahead of Celliphine Chespol (9:31.11) and Caren Chebet (9:31.69). 

"I have had good training thanks to my coaches who have been patient. I have the national title but now my target is on the African title. Having won the Under-20 title serves to motivate me to reach for better. 

After switching to the senior category, competition has not been that stiff but I know the African event will be different as I will be up against the best in the continent. All the same, I am eying gold," said Chepkoech. 

The youngster will be out to defend the African title that was won by Beatrice Chepkoech in the last Games held in Asaba, Nigeria. 

"I have to work on my speed between now and June when we head to Mauritius. It will not be easy to win gold but I will not relent in my quest," she added. 

The men’s race was won by Olympian and Commonwealth Games silver medalist Abraham Kibiwott in 8:21.34, a race he dominated from the start. 

In the race that had Olympics bronze medalist Benjamin Kigen, World Under-20 champion Amos Serem as well as World and Senior Africa defending champion Conseslus Kipruto, it was Kibiwott who looked strong through the race for the win. 

Kibiwott's National Police Service (NPS) teammate Geoffrey Kirwa finished second in 8:23.79 to book his ticker to the African championship set for June 8 to 12. Kenya Defence Forces' (KDF) Kigen was third in 8:27.16. 

Kipruto and Serem finished fourth and fifth respectively in 8:31.98 and 8:32.24.