Kenya’s strong showing at the World Masters Athletics Championships continued on Friday as Paul Kipkemoi won the men’s M40 5,000 metres title.
Kipkemoi crossed the line in 14:32.27, finishing well ahead of Belgium’s Kevin Schauwaers, who took silver in 15:07.93. Canada’s Martin Bailey was third in 15:22.08.
The victory added another gold medal to Kenya’s growing collection at the championships.
The focus now shifts to Saturday’s M40 1,500m final, where Kenya’s Paul Kipsiele is among the athletes to watch.
Kipsiele, a celebrated steeplechaser, looked comfortable in Thursday’s heats. He won his opening-round race in 4:15.89, finishing ahead of Morocco’s Younesse El Gourch, who ran 4:16.20. Japan’s Tetsuji Kambora was third in 4:20.11.
Kenya’s Philip Kipketer did not make the final. He finished eighth in the second heat in 4:44.26.
In the M60 1,500m, James Sigei reached Saturday’s final after finishing third in his heat in 5:11.02. Canada’s Benuit Hogur won the race in 5:08.80, with Australia’s Peter Stevens second in 5:10.42.
Kenya’s medal haul grows
Kenya’s success in Daegu began early in the championships.
Eric Sikuku won the M50 10km race walk in 49:35. Puerto Rico’s Melvin Mercado was second in 54:16, while India’s Biju Pudussery took bronze in 55:40.
Peter Wanjiru then claimed the M40 10,000m title in 31:14. Tunisia’s Hoykel Sboui finished second in 32:45, followed by Italy’s Umberto Persin in 33:06.
On Monday, Sylvia Chesebe won the W35 800m in 2:09.87. Australia’s Nicolette Hargrave took silver in 2:11.26, while Spain’s Stephanie Araya finished third in 2:14.57.
Betty Chebet added Kenya’s first field-event gold with a 42.44m throw in the W35 discus. Australia’s Morgan Vosilla was second with 39.70m, while Malaysia’s Jeng Yap took bronze at 38.76m.
Grace Kidake also reached the podium, winning silver in the W40 800m after clocking 2:18.75. Benin’s Noelie Yarigo won the race in 2:10.55, with Britain’s Sian Lewis third in 2:18.98.
Tuesday brought more distance-running success.
Florence Chepsoi won the W40 5,000m in 18:19.37, holding off American April Lund, who finished in 18:24.24. Ireland’s Rachel Murphy was third in 19:38.78.
Rosaline David followed with victory in the W45 5,000m. She finished in 18:57.20, ahead of France’s Laetitia Bonnechorgue and Britain’s Madeline Plieth.
There have also been setbacks.
Sigei finished 12th in the M60 800m in 2:34.08. On Thursday, Julius Bilat missed the M70 5,000m podium after finishing fifth in 21:10.81.
Still, Kipkemoi’s latest victory has kept Kenya’s medal campaign moving strongly towards the final stages of the championships.
For Kipsiele and the other Kenyan finalists, Saturday offers another chance to add to the country’s growing haul in Daegu.
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