© Copyright – 2020 – Athletics Illustrated

Kenyans Hellen Obiri and Faith Kipyegon recorded 2020 world leads during the final Diamond League meet of the year in Doha.

Obiri won the 3000m event by overcoming the defending World Athletics 3000m steeplechase gold medallist Beatrice Chepkoech with a furious kick over the final 300m to win in the time of 8:22.54.

They ran a first kilometre a little under 2:40.00. Obiri and Chepkoech followed the pacemaker along with Margaret Kipkemboi and Agnes Tirop in tow.

Obiri took over the lead after four laps controlling the pace. Half the field of 15 were within striking position with 800m to go.

Tirop and Chepkoech were starting to close the gap over the final 100m, however, Obiri held made up some ground in the final stages, but Obiri held on to win in 8:22.54, a near personal best.

Tirop and Chepkoech finished second and third respectively, both were credited with new personal best of 8:22.92. Kipkemboi died a little and finished in 8:24.76.

Faith Kipyegon

Kenyan Faith Kipyegon won the 800m in the time of 1:57.68.

The pacemaker led the field through the first 400m in under 58-seconds and when the pacemaker dropped out, Kipyegon took the lead and held it for the rest of the race.

She said, “I am happy to win here in Doha considering this is my second 800m race after about three years break from it.”

Spanish athlete Esther Guerrero finished in second clocking a 1:59.22 to record a new personal best result while Britain’s Adelle Tracey crossed the line in third in 1.59.87, which was so close to her personal best from 2018 of 1:59.86.