Kiprop Secures First International 5000m Victory in Hengelo

Young Ugandan distance runner Kenneth Kiprop has achieved a significant milestone, securing his first international victory in the men’s 5000 metres at the Fanny Blankers-Koen (FBK) Games held in Hengelo, Netherlands.

Competing in hot weather conditions, the 21-year-old athlete crossed the finish line with a time of 13 minutes and 13.43 seconds. This victory marks a considerable confidence boost for Kiprop, who has been navigating a path to senior-level success, occasionally hampered by injuries.

Kiprop’s win places him in strong contention for upcoming major events, with his coach Addy Ruiter expressing optimism for his performance at the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow, Scotland, next month. “It was not easy, the weather was tough,” Kiprop commented after the race, highlighting his determination to win. “When we were at the start line, I said to myself: ‘I must win this race’. ”

He managed the challenging heat effectively, beating a field of 19 runners and holding off Eritrean Saymon Amanuel. Dolphine Chelimo, another Ugandan runner, also delivered a strong performance, setting a personal best of 13:13.72 to finish seventh.

Coach Ruiter commended his athletes’ strategy, advising them to manage the initial pace due to the high temperatures. This approach allowed Kiprop to move into the lead and maintain it through the closing stages, demonstrating his growing prowess on the track. He previously secured a bronze medal at the 2024 World Athletics U20 Championships.

Meanwhile, in the women’s 800 metres, Halimah Nakaayi finished sixth with a time of 1:59.88.

Source: https://www.monitor.ug/uganda/sports/athletics/kiprop-strikes-glory-in-hengelo-5505544