Bright start for Omanyala, Moraa at AK meet

Africa 100m record holder Ferdinand Omanyala had a bright start as he romped to victory on the first heat of the men’s 200m at the third Athletics Kenya (AK) track and field meeting that kicked off Friday at the Nyayo Stadium.

The two-day event attracted a huge turnout from athletes who are eyeing a strong start to a bust athletics calendar.

Omanyala who was competing over the 200m race after a long hiatus destroyed a deep field to triumph in 20.46 seconds ahead of Samuel Chege (20.75) and Moses Muriithi (20.75) who placed second and third respectively.

“It is a fast time. The target was 20.50 and I am glad we have gone faster than that. The last time I ran curve I pulled my calf and so I am glad it went well today. I am comfortable now and looking forward to what the season has to offer in terms of 200m,” said Omanyala.

The Commonwealth Games champion said he is targeting a strong performance in the finals on Saturday before shifting his focus to the indoor tour where he is set to compete in two meetings in France next month.

World 800m champion Mary Moraa sailed into the women’s 400m finals after clocking 53 seconds to emerge victorious in her heat.

“I think my preparations for the season are going on well. I came here to test my body. I am looking forward to tomorrow’s final,” said Moraa.

Meanwhile, Japan-based Rebecca Mwangi claimed victory in the women’s 10,000m final after clocking 34:14.29 ahead of Monica Wangui who finished second in 34:17.90 with Nympha Kivalo settling for third in 34:21.88

A high turnout was witnessed in the men’s 5000m final forcing organisers to hold three heats with Dennis Kipkoech clocking 13:56.78 to win the first heat.

National junior cross country champion Samuel Kibathi claimed victory in the second heat after timing 13:49.69 while Shadrack Kipkurui 14:09.29

Asbel Kiprop scaled 2.18m to triumph in the men’s high jump.