Men 2000 metre steeplechase
As has usually been the case over the past thirty odd years, the men’s steeplechase
was a Kenyan affair. The only surprise being for Brimin Kaputo when he was overtaken by
his compatriot David Kirwa as the leaders started into the bell lap.
It was Kipruto who had made all the running, pacing the race ahead of Ethiopia’s Abrham Kebeto, Kirwa and Mohammed Ali Al-Banain of Saudi Arabia.
As the leaders went through the bell, Kirwa moved up alongside Kipruto and the two went over the next barrier in total synchronisation, their backs a wall to Kebeto. Then Kirwa edged up the pace and gradually moved into the lead, taking the next barrier and then the water jump five metres ahead of Kipruto. Despite regaining some ground coming up to the water jump, Kebeto was less comfortable coming off the jump and had to settle for third place behind the Kenyans, both of whom recorded personal bests (5:33.40 for Kirwa, 5:36.81 for Kipruto)
