Nicholas Kimeli finishes third in Riga as Ethiopians dominate the men's 5km

ATHLETICS Nicholas Kimeli finishes third in Riga as Ethiopians dominate the men's 5km

Abigael Wafula 12:45 - 01.10.2023

Kimeli tried hard to keep up with the Ethiopian duo but he could only afford a third-place finish.

Ethiopians have one more time dominated the men’s 5km race at the World Road Running Championships in Riga, Latvia.

The hotly contested men's race saw Hagos Gebrhiwet carry the day as he clocked a course record time of 12:59. His compatriot Yomif Kejelcha finished second in 13:02 as Nicholas Kimeli sealed the podium in 13:16. 

42 men took to the startline for the men’s race at the World Road Running Championships with each hoping to finish in the podium bracket.

Kenya’s hopes rested on Nicholas Kimeli and Cornelius Kemboi to deliver and both were looking comfortable running in the leading pack in the first km. They passed the km mark in 2:41.

Ethiopia’s Yomif Kejelcha was also looking poised to run in second place in the hotly contested men’s field. As they passed the 3km mark, he took charge and was looking very relaxed but Kemboi did not give him time to rest as he was running closely behind him.

Kimeli was also running in third place in a very comfortable way. However, Kejelcha was smart as he decided to open a gap between himself and the Kenyans, perhaps too early.

The Kenyan duo did not rest on their laurels as they fought hard to keep up with his pace. Unfortunately, they could not keep up with him but his compatriot Hagos Gebrhiwet was giving him a run for his money.

Kipkorir was now running in third place with Kejelcha and his compatriot fighting for the top prize. Gebrhiwet managed to take top honours in the race as Kejelcha finished second.

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