Hard fighting Wanyonyi sets World lead time at Kip Keino Classic

World men’s 800m silver medalist Emmanuel Wanyonyi set a world-leading time to retain his last year’s title in 1:43.57, at the 5th Kip Keino Classic continental tour on Saturday evening.

Wanyonyi sent fans wild at Nyayo Stadium in the 2-lap race to shed off stiff competition from fellow countrymen Aaron Kemei and Ferguson Cheruiyot, who finished in the 2nd and 3rd positions with 1:44.10 and 1:44.90, respectively. 

“I didn’t expect to run a world lead. I wanted to test my body, and I feel good. I want to maintain this form and maybe improve ahead of the Olympic trials. I want to thank fans for turning up in large numbers to cheer us on. We don’t take it for granted.” Said Wanyonyi

Mary Ekiru won 1500m in 4:06.26 followed closely by Edinah Jebitok in 4 minutes 7.22 secs while Abera Hawi of Ethiopia finished third.

Reynold Cheruiyot bagged men’s title with a wolrd leading time of 3:31.96, while Brian Komen and Daniel Munguti crossed the finish line in 2nd and 3 places respectively.