by Justin LagatHere is what Justin Lagat wrote for RunBlogRun about the Monaco DL, which happens in about sixteen hours!
Consesius Kipruto, can he break 8 minutes? photo by PhotoRun.net
Some notes on the distance events at the IAAF 2016 Monaco Diamond League Meeting
Little known Alfred Kipketer just beat David Rudisha and Ferguson Rotich to win the men’s 800m, at the Kenyan Olympic trials a couple of weeks ago. He will have to introduce himself well to the world in Monaco! Kipketer will be up against strong competitors that will include Jonathan Kitilit, Amos Nijel and Nicholas Kipkoech. It should be interesting to see him race again and gauge his Olympic medal prospects in Rio.
Asbel Kiprop will lead Elijah Manangoi, Ronald Kwemoi, Mo Farah, Taoufik Makhloufi, Iguider Abdelaati and Bethwel Birgen in the men’s 1500m. According to Kiprop, there are no plans for a new world record. But, perhaps the competition could just push the time to a surprise world record. Kiprop’s personal best time of 3:26.69 is just but a fraction of a second from the world record of 3:26.00. The field is also a very competitive one. It can mean much to win this race, in which five of the runners, already have personal best times of 3:28.81 and below, one may have to run a fast time that can easily result in a world record.
The women’s 3000m event will see Hellen Obiri meet Mercy Cherono again after the two competed at the Kenyan Olympic trial two weeks ago to finish 2nd and 3rd in the women 5000m race. Janet Kisa will also be another athlete to watch here.
With Caster Semenya, Margaret Nyairera, Francine Niyonsaba and Eunice Sum in the lineup of the women 800m event, the race will most likely point out to the outcome of the Olympic race in Rio. The four are arguably the favorite women to medal in Rio.
In the men’s 3000m steeplechase race, Conseslus Kipruto is in great form right now. He knows that he is expected to have his PB time under 8 minutes like the other runners in his caliber at this event. He will be going for a fast time in Monaco, according to what I heard from his coach. Paul Koech, Barnabas Kipyego, and John Koech will be among those who will ensure the race becomes a competitive one for Kipruto.
