Samperu dominates 10,000m race at AK meet
By Amos.Abuga, February 5, 2022
Stralugano Half Marathon champion Matthew Samperu produced the best time of the day to win the men’s 10,000m on day one of the first Athletics Kenya Track and Field Meeting at the Nyayo National Stadium on Friday.
The Narok based runner timed 29:05.09 to win the first of the three men’s heat finals in a race that saw a huge turnout of athletes. Isaac Too settled for second in 29:05.72 as Pius Karanja took third in 29:12.41.
“I tried to stay behind to try and study my opponents. I knew it was going to be tough because everyone has been training well. I want to feature in other weekend meetings,” said Samperu who trains in Longonot Naivasha.
In the second heat, Isaac Cheluko won in 29:50 69, he was followed by Solomon Gachoka 29:22.91 and Shadrack Kipyego 30:21.39 in second and third respectively.
Cheluko broke away from the pack at the 3k mark going all alone to win his race.
“I wanted to post good times but that was not possible because I was running alone, I really wanted to get someone to push me which I never got so I had to slow down eventually because I had done so much alone.
“I dedicate my victory to my wife Edinah Chepkemoi who will be competing at the Paris indoor games tonight. I want to I wish her well in here 3k race,” said Cheluko
World Under 20 probable Nelson Mandela won the third and final heat in 29:25.88, Stanley Njihia was second in 29:39.93 as Stephen Arita took third in 30:01.90.
“Today was my second time to run at the Nyayo National Stadium which also happens to be the most successful. I was running with fear because I was not sure what to expect luckily I gained confidence as the race progressed.