Women’s 3000m steeplechase: Romanian Rutto roars to victory at Kip Keino Classic
Romania’s Stella Rutto returned to her roots in emphatic fashion by winning the women’s 3000m steeplechase during the Absa Kip Keino Classic at the Nyayo National Stadium on Saturday.
The Kenyan-born clocked 9:39.57 to cross the finish line first, ahead of Kenyan youngster Leah Jeruto who timed 9:39.94 in second as another daughter of the soil, Daisy Jepkemei of Kazakhstan clocked 9:41.13 in third.
The 2021 Trabzon Half Marathon champion said the win is the perfect foundation from which to build on for next weekend’s Shanghai Diamond League.
“This is my first track event. I am happy but I need to work on my speed as I prepare to go for Shanghai Diamond League,” the 28-year-old said.
This is the Romanian’s second appearance at this World Continental Tour Gold event, following on from 2022 when she clocked 15:48.97 to finish seventh in the women’s 5000m.
She was also in action at last year’s Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour Gold where she finished 22nd after clocking 37:24.
