Ebenyo, Moraa shine in doubles at Police track and field championships

World cross country champion Daniel Simiu Ebenyo and women’s 800m world winner Mary Moraa produced superlative performances to dominate the 13th edition of the National Police Service track and field championships at Ulinzi Sports Complex in Nairobi, yesterday.

Ebenyo proved king of the track in the two-day contest used by Police to select it’s squad for the forthcoming Athletics Kenya (AK) national championships set for June 26 in Nairobi.

In men’s 10,000m, Ebenyo cruised to the tape to win in 28.55.25, followed by Joseph Kiprono (29.06.37) and Solomon Chumba (29.07.27) in second and third-place in that order.

Ebenyo, who is also the men’s 10000m Commonwealth and world silver medallist, took a double at Ulinzi, winning the cutthroat men’s 5000m challenge in 13:50:10 where he was followed by Naibei Kiplimo (13:59:59) and Solomon Chumba (14:04:71).

Likewise, Moraa, who is fresh from taking part in the Grand Slams Track Philadelphia in the US last week, doubled in women’s 800m and 400m categories, where she comfortably won.

Moraa clocked 2:05:05 to win in the 800m race.

In 400m, Moraa stopped the clock in 53.03, beating second-placed Joan Cherono (55.33) and Chepkoech (56.04).

“I’m hopeful to defend the categories next season. I’m glad that I will represent my employer at the AK national championship,” Ebenyo told Standard Sports.

Principal Secretary in the State Department for Internal Security and National Administration Raymond Omollo hailed the championship saying:

“This is not just a competition, but a day to celebrate men and women who form the back bone of our police force.”

Inspector General, National Police Service, Douglas Kanja said the annual Police showpiece provides a forum for their athletes to showcase their sportsmanship where the best are selected for the national contest and it brings together officers from various units.