News Archive

(19 June 2004) - Nairobi, Kenya – With the exception of the men’s

10,000m there were no upsets recorded on the final day of the Kenyan national

championships at the Moi International Sports Centre in the outskirts of the

capital, today. Also, most Athens Olympics qualifying standards once again

proved unreachable despite ideal weather conditions.

Kamathi - more to come at the Olympic trials

2001 World 10,000 metres champion Charles Kamathi won the 5000 metres finals

with a combined display of guts and patience. In the absence of many top

runners who are preparing for next weekend’s Olympics trials, a good time

or Athens Olympics qualifying time was not part of the agenda, and although

running in one tight pack, nobody took the initiative.

Kamathi who finished second in the semi-final remained with the leading

pack, always within striking distance but not very visible until the final lap

when he moved to the front and started his attack from 200m out. He went on to

win in 13:45.7 which was markedly slower than Augustine Choges 13:29.0 clocked

to win the national junior title on Wednesday (16 June).

Julius Kiptoo finished second in 13:46.8 with Kiprono Menjo coming in third

in 13:48.7, as Benjamin Maiyo faded to fifth.

Commenting on the slow pace, Kamathi said everybody was remaining uptight

until the Athens Olympics trials and the nationals were simply a prelude to the

real drama which lay ahead next weekend.