One of the highlights of the final day of the Championship of Kazakhstan, held at the Central Stadium of Almaty from June 12 to 14, was the performance of young Kenyan stayers – 23-year-old Caroline Chepkoech Kipkirui and 17-year-old Chadrak Kimutai Koech at a distance of 5,000 meters.
Having received an invitation to take part in the traditional memorial of Gusman Kosanov (June 24-25), representatives of the country that gave the world many excellent masters of long-distance running arrived in Kazakhstan and, in preparation for the upcoming competitions, tested their strength at the open championship of our republic.
The test turned out to be very successful – in both the women’s and men’s races, Kenyan athletes clearly demonstrated their styling talents. Kipkirui and Koech took the lead immediately after the start, maintained a high pace throughout the race and achieved confident victories.
As for our athletes, Irina Smolnikova from East Kazakhstan achieved success among women in the absence of Gulzhanat Zhanatbek, who became the best in the 10,000 meters on the opening day of the championship. And for men, the 2017 national champion at a similar distance, Andrei Leimenov, also representing East Kazakhstan Region, came down after two laps, and Mikhail Krasilov (Zhambyl region) took the first place without much struggle.
June 14th. The Championship of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Running at 5,000 meters. Women:
1. Irina Smolnikova (East Kazakhstan region) – 17.27,58 min.
2. Victoria Sergeeva (North Kazakhstan region) – 17.37,39 min.
3. Tatiana Neroznak (Kostanay region) – 04/18/64 min.
Caroline Chepkoech Kipkirui (Kenya) – 15.12,86 min.
June 14th. The Championship of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Running at 5,000 meters. Men:
1. Mikhail Krasilov (Zhambyl region) – 15.11,13 min.
2. Bibol Serikov (Astana) – 15.28,82 min.
3. Daryn Konysbayev (Almaty region) – 15.36,71 min.
Chadrak Kimutai Koech (Kenya) – 14.17,44 min.
At the end of the races, Kipkirui and Koech kept a little stiff, but smiled warmly:
– Everything turned out well at the distance, – the athletes noted with one voice. – It was not so hot, and there was no discomfort. We managed to keep our pace and finish well. In general, we like Kazakhstan. We train, we don’t feel any special problems, the people are all friendly. We will prepare for the next competitions!
A source: kazathletics.kz
Photo by Eduard Gavrish
