Kip Keino Classic: Meeting record for Moraa as Reynolds defends title

World champion, Mary Moraa dominated the women's 800m race at the Kip Keino Classic, running a Meet Record of 1:57.96 for victory.

Running in her speciality distance, 800m, the first time this season, Moraa maintained her place at the helm of the field, just few steps behind her younger sibling Sarah Moraa who was setting the pace, for the win.

Nelly Chepchirchir finished second in 1:58.26, while Vivian Kiprotich settled for third in 1:58.93.

Meanwhile, former world U20 champion Reynold Cheruiyot clocked 3:31.96 to lead Brian Komen (3:32.29) and Daniel Munguti (3:33.71) to a Kenyan sweep in the men’s 1,500m.

The 2023 winner in the same distance now has the world leading time in the distance.

Meanwhile, Kenya’s Charles Rotich registered an impressive performance, completing the 5000m course in 13:39:16 behind second-placed Levy Kibet who clocked 13:38:39. Ethiopian Fayisa Abdisa carried the day in the race.

Speaking after the win, Rotich noted that he was aiming to qualify for the 2024 Paris Olympics. He was glad that the Kipkeino Classic offered him an opportunity to showcase his skills in front of his home fans.

"The competition was tough. I want to work hard in my training as I aim for a place in team Kenya in the 2024 Paris Olympics," he breathlessly said.

For Kibet, the race helped him identify his improvement areas ahead of the Adidas Adizero race slated for April 27 in Germany. He was hopeful that he would work on his speed as he prepared to fly the country’s flag high in the European country.

He trains in Kapsabet, Nandi County under the close watch of inexhaustible coach Claudio Berrardelli.

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“The race was good and I just need to improve on my speed work as the track season starts. I want to thank God for giving me the strength to claim this position. The hard work doesn't stop here at Kip Keino as I will be looking to engage a higher gear in training,” he offered.

Meanwhile, the only Kenyan in the women’s 100m race Esther Mbagari failed to sparkle as she ended the race in seventh position after clocking 12:08.

Bass Bittaye Gina Mariam from Gambia won the race in 11:33 ahead of Egyptian Hemida Basanta and Ray Shannon who occupied second and third position respectively.