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World marathon champion Ruth Chepng’etich extended her recent fine form on the track after running 25 laps at the Athletics Kenya Track and Field Championships that kicked off at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani yesterday. 

The victory in the women’s 10,000m comes three weeks after sealing a double during the Kenya Prisons Championships at the same venue. 

The 27-year-old athlete who will lead Kenya women’s marathon team for the July’s World Championships in Eugene said the race is part of her speed hunting mission for her title defence. 

“I am still a new person on the track that is why I want to thank God for my victory,” she said. 

“I am out here seeking to improve on my speed work. I have taken off some seconds from what I recorded two weeks ago, I see that as part of the progress,” said the world champion who will be defending her title on July 18 in Oregon. 

Podium position 

Her teammate Alice Aprot was second, the same position at the Prisons Championships as Judy Komen of Kenya Defence Forces took the final podium position. 

Chepng’etich was in full command of the race leading from gun to tape in the race. However, Kenya’s big wigs like the National Cross Country and Memorial Agnes Tirop World Cross Country series champion Joyce Chepkemoi who last week won the KDF title were no show during the championships. 

World silver medalist in 5,000m Margaret Chelimo who won the National Police Service Championship a fortnight ago equally missed the championship. 

Chepngetich romped to victory in 31:47.9, Aprot was a distance second in 32:01.0 and Komen finished third in 32:32.6. Brilliant Chepkorir was fourth in 32:46.3 while Sandra Chebet took the fifth position in 33:04.4. 

Aprot said there is no shame in finishing only second to the best. 

“It was nice to face the world champion again just as it was during our championship,” she said.