By Robert Kibet
Kenyan junior standout opens U20 trials with commanding victory at Nyayo Stadium as Kiprono dominates men’s 3000m
Cynthia Chepkurui announced herself in style as the World Under-20 trials got underway at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on Friday, delivering a controlled and confident performance to win the women’s 5000m, while Emmanuel Kiprono produced a dominant late surge to take the men’s 3000m title.
Chepkurui’s patient tactics deliver a 5000m triumph
Chepkurui’s victory came through patience and precision. She stayed tucked inside the lead pack through the early laps before gradually taking control of the race, eventually breaking away in the closing stages to win in 15:24.4. Joyline Chepkemoi secured silver in 15:37.8, with Mercy Chepngeno Mageso completing the podium in third.
The race began at a cautious tempo, with athletes testing each other tactically before the pace steadily increased. Chepkurui, however, remained composed and in touch, responding calmly whenever the field attempted to stretch the rhythm. When the decisive move came, she had enough in reserve to shut the door and run away from the field.
After crossing the line, Chepkurui expressed confidence in her preparations as she eyes a strong showing at the global championships.
“I have faith I will bring home gold,” she said.
Behind her, Chepkemoi ran a disciplined and mature race to secure second place. She credited her training base in Iten and the guidance she receives from experienced athletes.
“As I train in Iten under Beatrice Chebet, I appreciate the mentorship she gives us,” she said.
She added that this marks her final season in the Under-20 category, with her focus now fully shifting to international competition.
“This is my last Under-20 race, and when we go to Oregon, I wish the best athlete to win because the medal will still come home to Kenya. Personally, I am going for a medal bracket,” she added.
Kiprono seals control with decisive late break in 3000m
In the men’s 3000m, Emmanuel Kiprono delivered a similarly composed performance, timing his final kick to perfection as he broke away to win in 7:35.4. Elkanah Edwin Sanutia finished second, while Enock Tuitoeck took third.
Kiprono said he sensed an opportunity when the field failed to respond in the decisive stages.
“My body was responding well and seeing none was competitive, I decided to open the gap and move forward,” he said.
He credited training alongside senior athletes for improving his tactical awareness and finishing strength.
“I did my speed workouts with seniors, and it helped me,” he added.
Kiprono also acknowledged the influence of his family background in athletics, noting that it has shaped his discipline and competitive mindset.
The opening day of the trials highlighted Kenya’s continued strength in junior middle and long-distance running, with Chepkurui and Kiprono both stamping authority early in the competition and strengthening their claims for national team selection.
Attention now shifts to Saturday’s finals, where the 800m and 1500m events are expected to raise the intensity as athletes battle for places on Team Kenya bound for Oregon.
