Smooth sailing Obiri leads Kenyan duo into 5,000m final

Solo run – Hellen Obiri in Rome (Jean Pierre Durand) © Copyright

NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 10- Olympic silver medalist Hellen Obiri led the Kenyan duo of Margaret Chelimo and Sheila Chepkirui smoothly into the final of the 5,000m at the IAAF World Championships in London, United Kingdom.

Obiri, the world leader this season won her heat in a time of 14:56.70 ahead of 10,000m champion Almaz Ayana while Chepkirui who came sixth in the same heat qualified as one of the fastest six losers. Chelimo sneaked in an automatic qualification with a photo finish after coming in fifth in her heat.

The Kenyan trio will now have the big expectation of successfully defending the title won by Vivian Cheruiyot two years back and Obiri looks as comfortable as she is confident that the title will not leave Kenya’s grasp.

She seemed comfortable all through the race and after slowly running at the back for most parts of the contest bolted upfront with three laps to go, showing her intent but running with much more reserved energy.

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