Lotto Road to Birmingham: World Champ Obiri Wins, Africa Winner Chepkirui Heads to Commonwealth Games

Lotto Road to Birmingham: World Champ Obiri Wins, Africa Winner Chepkirui Heads to Commonwealth Games

Two times World champion Hellen Obiri won the Athletics Kenya/Lotto World Championships and Commonwealth Games trials at Moi, Kasarani on Friday, June 24th,2022.

After some explosive exchange of leads the 2016 Africa 5,000m champion Sheila Chepkirui, Obiri exploded with the last 200m of the race, confirmed her status as the track queen, clocking 31 minutes and 49.88 seconds.

Chepkirui gave a futile chase but her second place finish in 31:50.13 was enough to secure her a place at the World Championships and Commonwealth events.

Obiri had indicated earlier that she will prefer to defend her world 5,000m title before seeking the Commonwealth Games 10,000m title.

That could see the World and Commonwealth Games silver medalist Margaret Chelimo benefit as the second qualifier after finishing third in 31:50.22.

Obiri won the 5,000m title during the previous 2018 Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast, Australia.

The World Athletics Championships are due for July 15 to August 24 in Oregon, United States and will be followed by the Commonwealth Games on July 28 to August 8 in Birmingham, England. 

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