Isabella Ochichi yesterday won the 10,000 metres final of the Kenya Police championships at the Moi International Sports Centre.

She clocked 35 minutes, 59.3 seconds to attain the All-Africa Games qualifying mark and for good measure, finished second in heat one of the 1,500m.

Ochichi, a student at Police Training College Kiganjo, would have returned a better time in the 10,000m final had she been challenged.

But she was overwhelmingly superior against the opposition and was forced to run alone in the last three laps

Second-placed Lucy Karimi of Kapu was a clear three minutes behind. Ochichi also broke the Police record of 37:37.0.

Leah Koech of Kapu and Joyce Kando of Rift Valley followed in that order.

Women distance runners, especially in the 10,000m, have been impressive this season.

During the Armed Forces championships last Saturday it was Catherine Ndereva of Prisons who starred, while in Eldoret, it was schoolgirl Alice Timbilil, the only qualifier for the world championships.

Gladys Madee of Central set a new police shot put women's record of 10.70 metres. The old mark stood at 10.64.

Mary Wanyonyi of Western was second in 10.14 and Rachel Mwangi third (10.00).

Charles Muchiri, who ran as a guest, won the 10,000m men's race but failed to attain the world championships qualifying mark. Muchiri clocked 28:37.6.

Second-placed Charles Kimathi of Police College posted 29:27.4 and Julius Martim of GSU was third in 29:36.4.

Polycarp Onsongo of GSU threw the shot put 13.14m to win followed by David Terer (PEU) 13.00 and Joseph Keter (GSU) 12.86. In the pole vault, James Karimi (GSU) broke the Police record of 3:77m after leaping 3.90m. Shadrack Fundi PEU) leapt 3.80m and Charles Munyao (NEP) 3.60m.

The women's high jump attracted only two qualifiers - Catherine Kagwaira (1.65m) and Susan Njoki (1.50m) - both of Kenya Police College.

Evelyne Rotich won heat one of the 5,000m in 4:48.8 while Alice Mureithi won heat two in 4:38.3.

The police meeting, attracting 15 provinces and units, ends today and successful athletes will be selected to represent the Police team at the national championships on June on 24-26.

Meanwhile, Maseno University College will participate in the inter-universities athletics championship at Kasarani tomorrow and Saturday.

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