Omanyala sets new stadium record at Nyayo at third AK meet

African 100m record holder Ferdinand Omanyala was in his usual splendid form at the third leg of Athletics Kenya track and field competition at Nyayo National Stadium clocking a new stadium record of 10.00 seconds en route to winning the men's 100m race.

The 26-year-old said he hopes to build on the performance ahead of a busy outdoor campaign that will culminate in the World Championships and Commonwealth Games, both events slated for this summer.

"It think this is a very good start to the season. I am looking forward to running fast this season," said Omanyala who holds the National and African record of 9.77 seconds.

Omanyala was making a return to the outdoor action after competing at the World Indoor Tour in France where he notched a new national record of 6.57 seconds over the 60m race.

"I think I have improved a lot with my start which I have been working on during the World Indoor Tour and I hope to improve further as I head for the World Indoor Championships," he said.

National champion Maximilla Imali reigned supreme in the women's race after clocking 11.72 seconds ahead of Eunice Kadogo (11.97) and Monica Safania (12.07) who finished second and third respectively.

A timely kick in the last 200m saw Margaret Akidor edge world junior champion Teresiah Gateri in the women's 5000m.

Akidor clocked 15:26.18 with Gateri settling for second in 15:29.43 while Rebecca Mwangi came home third in 15:32.46.

The meet was initially slated for Embu before it was brought to Nyayo Stadium.

The fourth and final weekend meeting will be held in a fortnight at Bukhungu Stadium, Kakamega County.