Beatrice Chepkoech to attack world record in Zagreb as Omanyala faces off against familiar foes

ATHLETICS Beatrice Chepkoech to attack world record in Zagreb as Omanyala faces off against familiar foes

Abigael Wafula 08:00 - 09.09.2023

Chepkoech has eyes on the record which currently stands at 5:52.80 and was set by Germany’s Gesa Felicitas Krause.

World 3,000m steeplechase record holder Beatrice Chepkoech will be in action in the women’s 2,000m SC at the Boris Hanzekovic Memorial – a World Athletics Continental Tour Gold meeting – in Zagreb, Croatia. 

The action began on Friday, September 8 but Chepkoech’s race will be on Sunday, September 10. As reported by World Athletics, the Kenyan will be attempting to break the world best in the women’s 2000m steeplechase.

The record currently stands at 5:52.80 and was set by Germany’s Gesa Felicitas Krause, and Chepkoech will have that in her sights on Sunday.

When the 32-year-old set her world record for the standard event, she passed through 2000m in 5:49.9, so she is certainly capable of breaking the world best.

She will be challenged by Albania’s European champion Luiza Gega, Slovenia’s Marusa Mismas, and compatriot Winnie Jemutai who will ensure they give her a run for their money.

Africa’s fastest man Ferdinand Omanyala will be in action in the men’s 100m competing against Olympic champion Marcell Jacobs. World Championships fourth-place finisher Oblique Seville and his fellow Jamaican Rohan Watson will also be in action at the event.

Seville, 22, will be hoping to extend his winning streak that has seen him hand Omanyala defeats in two successive races.

In the men’s 800m, Kipng’etich Ngeno will be seeking redemption competing against African champion Slimane Moula, British champion Dan Rowden, who will be racing on his 26th birthday and Italy’s Simone Barontini.