Rain, raw speed and grit mark day one of 3rd AK Meet in Kapsabet

Jackline Adoyo clocked 12.3 seconds while Leah Chemutai Chesebe rounded up the podium in 12.5 seconds.

Athletes battled the cold and slippery surface, producing gritty performances across the sprints, hurdles and distance races in a meet that continues to serve as an early-season audition for bigger assignments.

Lilian Diana Aoko Owako won Heat 2 in 12.0 seconds while Mary Sofia Simiyu and Eunice Kadogo Murandafu claimed Heat 1 and 3 respectively. Nancy Wairimu Wangui sealed Heat 5 in 12.4 seconds.

The men answered with explosive starts in 100m despite the wet surface with Dennis Mwai Wangui (Heat 6) and Martin Koyan Juma (Heat 2) being joint fastest on the day after timing 10.5 seconds.

Moses Onyango Wasike won Heat 1 in 10.6, while Seth Mufutu Mwangale and George Kimani both clocked 10.7 in their respective heats.

Louis Khawel impressed in Heat 9 with 10.8 as the short sprinters signaled a tight battle heading into the next rounds.

In the women’s 100m hurdles semi-finals, Priscilla Nasimiyu Tabunda posted the quickest time of 15.2 to win Semi-final 2, ahead of Gladys Muthoni Ngure (15.4). Veronicah Chebet had earlier taken Semi-final 1 in 15.8.

The men’s 110m hurdles saw Kipkorir Rotich dominate Semi-final 3 in 15.0, the fastest across the three races. Edwin Kipmutai Too (15.9) and Jason Nyauntu Ogega (15.6) also advanced with strong runs.

The two-lap races delivered tactical battles as Laban Kipkorir Chepkwony produced the fastest time overall, winning Heat 4 in 1:51.1 — the standout mark of the opening day over 800m.

Noah Koech Kapkama (1:52.6) and Brian Kiptoo (1:52.7) were also impressive, while Kelvin Kipkogei (1:53.2) and Shadrack Kipngetich (1:54.4) controlled their respective heats comfortably.

The times reflected cautious racing on a heavy track, with most athletes opting for control rather than risk.

Janet Chepngetich took command in the first semi final of the women’s 5000m, clocking 16:23.6 to edge youngster Cynthia Chepkurui (16:24.1) in a tight finish.

Phenah Yego won the second semifinal in 16:42.2 ahead of Naomi Korir (16:44.7) and Sandrafelis Chebet Tuei (16:46.4), as the long-distance runners navigated the rain-soaked conditions with measured pace.