Kiprotich hits Osaka mark just on time

Jul 29, 2007

STEPHEN Kiprotich clocked 13 minutes 27.40 seconds to qualify for the World Athletics Championships due in Osaka, Japan September 25.

By Norman Katende

5000m results

1. I. Dobson (USA) 13:18.87
2. J. Riley (USA) 13:19.92
9. Kiprotich (UGA) 13:27.40


STEPHEN Kiprotich clocked 13 minutes 27.40 seconds to qualify for the World Athletics Championships due in Osaka, Japan September 25.

Racing in the KBC Night of Athletics in Heusden-Zolder, Belgium on Saturday, Kiprotich was 0.2 microseconds in the Group B qualifying time of 13:28.00.

He was on Uganda’s junior team to the world cross country championship early this year where he finished 19th. He will partner All Africa Games gold medallist Moses Kispsiro in the 5000m race in Japan. Benjamin Kiplagat who had also hit the 5000m mark, will go for his favourite 3000m steeplechase.

“It is a good result for him, now especially that he has been running in his first race.
“Since he has qualified, we hope that he gets more competitions ahead of the Osaka event as a way of building his confidence,” said his country manager Godfrey Nuwagaba.

Kiprotich, who was expected back in the country today morning, joins Kipsiro, Kiplagat, Boniface Kiprop and Wilson Busienei (10000m), Abraham Chepkirwok (800m) Alex Malinga and Amos Masai (marathon) in the world event.

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