Mateelong powers to 5000m win in Meru

Commonwealth and Africa 3,000m steeplechase champion Richard Mateelong shook off stiff opposition to win the 5,000m race as the seventh and final National Bank of Kenya/ AK meeting ended Saturday at the Kinoru Stadium, Meru.

Mateelong was no doubt in shape for the race though he was made to fight hard in the in the last 50m by Sammy Mutai.

Mateelong ran shoulder to shoulder with Mutai for the better part of the race but managed to beat Mutai him in the home stretch in an exciting sprint finish that forced Mateelong to use his last ounce of energy to win the race against his determined opponent.

Mutai settled for second place after posting 14:13.8 while Dominic Rotich was third in 14:47.5.

“ This is part of my build-up for the Olympic games and I am happy I emerged top,” he said. He hopes to run at least two Grand Prix meetings before the national trials in June.

Commonwealth 3,000m steeplechase champion Mercy Njoroge completed a double after adding the 5,000m race title on her initial 1,500m victory on friday.

Njoroge recorded 16:53.3 to win the race ahead of Nancy Kathuga, who was timed at 17:21.7. Phyllis Kiptoo completed the top three places after returning 17:38.8.

Njoroge was looking to boost her endurance. Jedida Wanjiru took advantage of Njoroge's absence in the 3,000m steeplechase to win the race in 11:06.1.

Ann Wabera was second in 17:21.7 with Betty Karembu finishing a distant third in 11:22.1.

18-year-old Cecilia Maria clocked 2:23.2 to win the 800m race ahead of Julietta Aroma (2:13.9) and Jedidah Wanjiru (2:14.3).

Geoffrey Rono made a major return with a dominant victory in 800m where he posted 1:50.7 minutes. David Too (1:51.3) and Robert Maritim (1:52.2) took second and third positions in the race respectively.

 Sportsnewsarena Correspondent

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