14 May, 2016

5000m Men: World lead as unexpected Edris explodes to victory

A storming last 200m brought victory for the unfancied Muktar Edris who won a five-man bust-up over the last lap to claim the winner’s 10 Diamond League points in a world leading time. The former world junior champion exploded off the final bend to pull clear of two fellow Ethiopians plus Uganda’s Joshua Cheptegei and Kenyan Olympic medallist Thomas Longosiwa. He crossed the line in 12:59.96 to claim the Shanghai meeting’s first ever sub-13 minute clocking, as Cheptegei took second in 13:00.60, a huge personal best for the world junior 10,000m champion. Longosiwa was third as last year’s Diamond Race winner, Yomif Kejelcha, finished fifth behind fellow Ethiopian Abadi Embaye with world silver medallist Hagos Gebrhiwet sixth.

Muktar Edris: I am very happy with the result. It is my first time in Shanghai. I am pleased with the way the race went and my hope now is to qualify through the Ethiopian trials and make it to the Rio Olympics in the 5.000m.

Joshua Cheptegei: The pace was slow at the beginning, but end very good. I like to have the battle with the Ethiopians. Improved my personal best with a half minute. You know, you have to focus and I have to work on my speed. This was a good race, but I believe I can still improve.