M. KisengeEtiang challenges duo to retain World Athletics U20 1500m title
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Reading Time: 2min | Sun. 31.07.22. | 10:48
He spoke after racing in the Machakos Great Run
1500m specialist Kamar Etiang has challenged the duo of Daniel Kimaiyo and Reynold Kipkorir to work their socks off in a bid to ensure that Kenya retains her World Athletics U20 title over the distance in Cali, Colombia.
Kenya won gold in the previous championship held at the Kasarani Stadium last year courtesy of Vincent Keter who clocked 3:37.24 ahead of the Ethiopian duo of Wegene Addisu and Melkeneh Azize.
Etiang, who graced the final, would have scooped bronze after finishing third but a line infringement saw him miss the podium as well as the opportunity to have a title written against his name.
With the hopes of the nation to retain the world 1500m title resting on Kipkorir and Kimaiyo's shoulders this time round, Etiang told the youngsters to embrace teamwork in order to deliver.
The man mountain athlete spoke shortly after making his debut in the Machakos Great Run held on Saturday, where he ran his personal best over the 10km as he clocked 29:45.
"Those who got the opportunity to represent the country in Cali have one assignment; to retain the title. It is my prayer that they will work as a team and bring home medals. The team in the Commonwealth Games should also strive to defend the title," he said.
Meanwhile, the Machakos Great Run patron Festus Kasyoka has vowed to make the third edition grand and even upgraded to the half marathon in the subsequent years.
Kasyoka, a retired athlete while expressing satisfaction with how the second edition fared thanked the stakeholders and athletes who participated in one or the other to the success of last Saturday's event.
"It gives me pleasure to see athletes from all over the country running here. I am certain that, some of the athletes who took part will become world beaters in future. We have identified areas to work on and I promise that, the third edition will big and better," he said.
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