Jepkosgei completes Army Games distance double

World Half Marathon silver medalist Joyciline Jepkosgei completed her distance double at the Kenya Army Athletics Championships as she swept to the 10,000m women’s title on Thursday.

The World Half record holder crossed the finish in 34 minutes 52.4 seconds to claim the 10K crown, adding to the 5,000m honours she had won on Wednesday when the inaugural Games kicked off.

Senior private Penina Kandie took the runners up position in 35:07.4 ahead of Jackline Chirchir (35:30.0).

“The conditions were right for me unlike yesterday where it rained heavily. I increased the pace of the race because I’m looking for qualifying time ahead of the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) Championships in June and Africa Championships.

“When I resume training I shall focus on speed work and endurance so that I can be in the same level against other track athletes,” Jepkosgei said.

In the corresponding men’s race, Lisbon Half Marathon champion, Erick Kiptanui and Cyrus Rutto treated their colleagues to an exciting finish with the former edging the battle.

Kiptanui of Emabakasi Garrison stormed away in the last 100m to run away with the top honours in 13:34.4 as Senior Private Rutto finished second in 13:35.7. Private Peter Ndegwa settled for third in 13:35.8.

Rutto maintained he was contented with the result which gave him an idea of what to work on before heading to Shangai Diamond League in two weeks time.

“I need to work on my stamina because it’s failing me during the finishing kick. I’m targeting a good performance in the Diamond League races,” said Rutto.

Africa Cross Country Championships silver medalist in the mixed relay, Charles Simotwo and Mary Wanjiru earned the 1,500m both men and women bragging rights.

Private Simotwo of Kahawa Garrison stopped the timer at 3:40.5 to clinch victory ahead of Laban Kiplimo (3:41.0) and Nicholas Kiplangat (3:42.7) who completed the available podium places.

“This race is important to me as I head to Doha and Shangai Diamond League next month on 5th.  I was able to gauge my performance as I focus on the KDF Championships in June,” said Simotwo.

Their counterparts in the women’s race ran a slow race setting the conditions right for Mary Wanjiru to bag a second title of the competition in 4:27.5 as Senior Private Judy Cheptigei clocked 4:29.5 ahead of Private Nancy Sang stopped the at  4:31.5

Former junior silver medalist Winny Chebet, and Nicholas Kiplangat won the women and men 800m finals.

Chebet had an easy run with no competition to cut the tape, in 2:09.3, followed by Rebbeca Chepkemoi (2:11.6) and Nelly Jeptanui (2:12.7) who took second and third places respectively.

Kennedy Njeru closed the two day competition in a victory in the men’s 3,000m steeplechase final. Njeru won the race in 8:32.0 ahead of Benjamin Kigen who finished second in 8:33.5 as Moses Kibet took third in 8:38.3.