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World 1,500m champion Faith Chepng’etich Kipyegon and IAAF Diamond League series champion Timothy Cheruiyot won their respective women’s and men’s 1,500m races on the final day of national trials at the Nyayo National Stadiu on  Friday to underline their intentions at the world titles. 

Cheruiyot who has been in a sensational form this season ran into an easy win crossing the finish line in 3:34.91 with Ronald Kwemoi coming home second in 3:36.61 as World Under-20 champion George Manangoi closed the podium in 3:37.00 to also seal a berth to the September 27 to October 6 World Championships in Doha.

The trio will join World champion Elijah Manangoi who opted out of the trials although he already has a wild card by virtue of defending his title. 

Cheruiyot said he is ready to team up with his colleagues to sweep the podium.

“In 2017 I won silver and I think going to Doha I can improve on that.  The team is really strong and it will be competitive there as well,” said Cheruiyot. 

On her part, Chepng’etich said she was elated to  be back on track after being out on maternity leave. 

Chepng’etich who is also the Olympic 1,500m champion, hit the front at the bell before winning in a time of 4:03.22 as Winny Chebet, the Intercontinental Cup 1,500m champion, clocked 4:03.23 for second place. Selah Jepleting sealed the last place in the team after timing 4:05.20 for third. “It feels good to defend my title in Doha.

We are going to work as team and if we bring all the three medals it will be even better. I know it won’t be easy especially as we will be facing the likes of Dibaba,” said Chepng’etich.