by Justin Lagat
Conseslus Kipruto , Monaco Herculis EBS, 2018, photo by PhotoRun.net
One of the most successful and popular athletes in Kenya, Conseslus Kipruto confirmed for RunBlogRun’s senior writer in Kenya, Justin Lagat, that Mr. Kipruto intends to run in the Kenyan Trials.
Conseslus Kipruto confirms he will be running at the Kenyan National trials:
To fans of the men’s 3000m steeplechase event, and particularly of Conseslus Kipruto, the reigning Olympic, world, and Commonwealth Games’ champion had some exciting news to share today after chatting with RunBlogRun in Eldoret, Kenya. He has recovered from an injury that has seen him miss most of the track season this year and is now feeling ready to compete again.
With one hurdle remaining for them to reach the national trials, athletes gave their best at the Central Rift championships today (27th July 2019) in an effort to earn slots to participate at the national trials expected to take place next month.
Kipruto sat amid fans that had turned out in large numbers to watch the championships as he waited patiently to study the men’s 3000m steeplechase event, in which his training partner and Commonwealth Games silver medalist, Abraham Kibiwot was taking part. Perhaps, that would give him a rough idea of where his form is at the moment and how he is likely to fare on at the nationals.
“I have been training recently and I feel confident about running at the national trials. That will be my first race after resuming my training,” said Kipruto.
Kibiwot who seemed quite relaxed in the race seemed to have reserved some energy as he kept looking back to make sure he was in a safe position finished third in the steeplechase race. That was just all he needed to take him further to the nationals. “The real battle will be during the nationals,” he told friends later.
Cosmas Birech leading the Men’s 10,000m, photo by Justin Lagat
Josphat Kipchirchir upset Cosmas Birech in the men’s 10,000m race as he easily eased away with a few laps remaining to win it in 29.08.2. Roslinda Jepketer was equally superior in the women’s race pulling away from the rest with about 2km to go to win it in 34:05.14 with Faith Linga finishing 2nd in 34:45.50 and Lydia Simiyu finishing 3rd in 35:00.81.
Rosalinda Jepketer takes the women’s 10,000m, photo by Justin Lagat
Qualine Kiprop defeated the pre-race favorite, Violah Lagat (Bernard Lagat’s sister) in the women’s 1500m race as the two battled for the finish line with about 200m to go before Kiprop produced a stronger kick and continued to stretch the gap between the two till she crossed the finish line. The men’s race was tighter with Jonathan Sawe winning it as he narrowly edged Isaac Koech in second and Justus Soget in third.
“I have been in the USA for more than 10 years. I already have a green card and I like being in the USA, but I feel more proud of representing Kenya,” Lagat said after the race when asked if she had any ambitions of following in the footsteps of her brother. “My brother’s case was a bit different, Kenya did not allow dual citizenship then, but currently, it is possible to be both Kenyan and American and choose which country to represent.”
Violah Lagat, second in Women’s 1,500m, photo by Justin Lagat
Lydia Jeruto looked in great shape as she led the better part of the women’s 5,000m and with one lap to go, she tore the field apart in a devastating kick that would whet the appetite who watched her run today to look forward to her running at the national championships.
