Piece by: WILLIAM NJUGUNA

01 October 2023

• It was a dismal afternoon for the Kenyan contingent in the men's race as Kyumbe Munguti finished a distant 13th in 4:00.67 while Reynold Kipkorir was further down at position 22 in 4:05.91.

Faith Kipyegon, a two-time world champion, suffered her first defeat of the year as she placed third in the women's mile at the World Road Running Championships in Riga, Latvia.

In the early stages of the race, Diribe Weltaji of Ethiopia kept a tight eye on Kipyegon in second position. Kipyegon, who has been spectacular this year, has already broken three world records on the track.

Kipyegon looked to be on pace to win another world title until he faltered in the final 100m and was overtaken by Weltaji, who went on to win the gold in 4:21.00.

Another Ethiopian, Freweni Hailu, easily defeated Kipyegon to take home the silver medal in 4:23.06, while the Kenyan took home the bronze in 4:24.13. Nelly Chepchirchir finished fourth in 4:31.18.

In the men's race, Kyumbe Munguti came in a disappointing 13th place in 4:00.67, and Reynold Kipkorir came in even further back at position 22 in 4:05.91.

Hobbs Kessler of the United States won the race in a time that set a new record: 3:56.13. Callum Elson of the United Kingdom came in second in 3:56.41, while Samuel Prakel of the United States completed the podium in 3:56.43.