NAIROBI, Kenya, Oct 3 – World Champion Timothy Cheruiyot overcame a hamstring strain to clinch victory in the 1500m race at the Kip Keino Classic on Saturday, further stating his supremacy at the best in the race currently.
Cheruiyot clocked 3:34.31 to win the race ahead of youngster Kumari Taki who timed 3:35.00.
“I am really happy to win especially because I was not very fit. Before the race I had a small hamstring strain and it made it a bit difficult. But to finish the season at home with a win is something really important and I am pleased,” Cheruiyot said after the race.
Cheruiyot kept his long-stride, front-leaning tactic throughout the race, sticking at second behind training partner Timothy Sein in the first two laps.
However, Sein tired off with Taki taking over, the youngster trying but in vain to keep up with Cheruiyot’s pace.
-Ethiopian upsets Kenyans in women’s race
In the women’s race, World Under-18 Champion Hailu Lemlem upset a galaxy of Kenyan stars to win the race in a time of 4:06.42.
African champion Winny Chebet finished second in 4:06.78 while former Commonwealth Games 5,000m champion Mercy Cherono was third in 4:06.79.
The three had stuck shoulder to shoulder in the opening two laps of the race but at the bell, Lemlem who won in Nairobi three years ago at the World Under-18 championship reminisced the old days, powering ahead.
At the home straight, she brushed aside a late challenge by Winny to ensure she kept her eyes on the finish line to
