Nairobi — Kenya Police dominated the first day of the New KCC national athletics championship as World 800m champion Alfred Kirwa, David Rudisha and Vivian Cheruiyot ruled in their specialities at Nairobi's Nyayo National Stadium.

Africa 800m champion Rudisha, Beijing Olympics bronze medallist Kirwa, Joseph Ebuya and Cheruiyot were among elite runners who opted to run locally in preparation for the World Championship in Berlin, Germany, in August.

Bulking up for the 12-lap race in next week's Oslo Golden League meeting, World 5,000m silver medallist Cheruiyot sprinted to an impressive 4:17.4 win in the shorter four-lap race in her first major race at home.

With Olympic champion Nancy Jebet Lagat of Armed Forces having pulled out ill, Cheruiyot, fifth in Beijing, led from bell to tape in a blistering pace that left second-placed rival Tabitha Wamboi (4:20.0) of Kenya Prisons gasping for breath. Veronica Nyaruai (4:22.2), the 2006 World Junior 3,000m champion was third.

"This was a slow race. I wanted some challenge to run faster in the 1,500m," Cheruiyot said. Cheruiyot, who stunned former World record holder Masaret Defar of Ethiopia and beat Tirunesh Dibaba in Manchester to win the 10km race last month, said she relishes a clash with the two Ethiopians in Berlin.

"I fear no one. Once I know I am in great shape, them the challenge is on. I hope to stick with them to the last lap," she added.

Sylvia Kibet (Kenya Police) won the second semi-final in 4:19.3, ahead of favourite Armed Forces' Iness Chengone (4:19.6) and Margaret Wangare (4:21.8).

Took charge

The absence of African champion Haron Keitany and Olympic silver medallist Asbel Kiprop allowed Gideon Gathimba (Armed Forces, 3:45.4) to lead Collins Cheboi (Administration Police, 3:46.1) and Frederick Korir (3:46.3) in the men's race.

New Armed Forces recruit Joseph Ebuya (13:49.6) took charge after the tenth lap to win the first 5,000m heat as team mate and 2007 Mombasa World Cross silver medallist Vincent Kiprop (13:49.9) and Philemon Limo (North Rift, 13.50.0) followed.

Joseph Kitur (Kenya Police, 13:40.7) won the other ahead of team mate Alex Macharia (13:41.3) and Thomas Longosiwa (Kenya Prisons, 13:42.0).