Kenya’s Diana Chepkorir and Dennis Kibet Kitiyo claimed wins in contrasting styles at the Birell 10K Race, a World Athletics Elite Label road race, in Prague.
Kitiyo kicked away from his rivals in the closing stages to win the men’s race in 27:17, while Chepkorir solo ran her way to victory in the women’s race, clocking 30:12.
They each led a Kenyan top two, as Kitiyo was followed by Vincent Kibet Langat (27:25) and Chepkorir by Miriam Chebet (31:28).
Ethiopia’s Tadese Worku had taken control of the men’s race after the pacemaker stepped aside after around 10 minutes of running, and both Worku and Kitiyo formed part of a breakaway group of four by the halfway point, which was passed in 13:29.
Kitiyo saved enough for a final surge and managed to create a gap on his rivals, eventually winning by eight seconds. Worku was third in 27:32 and Rodrigue Kwizera of Burundi fourth in 27:39.
Chepkorir led the women’s race from gun to tape. She had a lead of 36 seconds by 5km, which she reached in 14:43, and powered on to win by 76 seconds.
Ethiopia’s Lemlem Nibret followed Chepkorir and Chebet to claim third place in 32:20, while Britain’s Samantha Harrison was fourth in 32:47.
Leading results
Women
1 Diana Chepkorir (KEN) 30:12
2 Miriam Chebet (KEN) 31:28
3 Lemlem Nibret (ETH) 32:20
4 Samantha Harrison (GBR) 32:47
5 Purity Kajuju Gitonga (KEN) 32:55
Men
1 Dennis Kibet Kitiyo (KEN) 27:17
2 Vincent Kibet Langat (KEN) 27:25
3 Tadese Worku (ETH) 27:32
4 Rodrigue Kwizera (BDI) 27:39
5 Matthew Kipkoech Kipruto (KEN) 27:50
Source: World Athletics
