DENNIS MASAI TAKES JUNIOR 10,000M TITLE
By Chris Lotsbom
(c) 2010 Race Results Weekly, all rights reserved - used with permission

(20-Jul) -- Kenya's Dennis Masai dominated the longest running event of the IAAF World Junior Championships in Moncton, Canada, by setting a 32-second personal best of 27:53.88 to take the 10,000m gold medal.  His was a world leading mark for juniors this year. 

The 18 year-old put on a show, controlling the race with relative ease.  Running with teammate Paul Lonyangata and Ethiopian Gebretsadik Abraha, the three had separated from the rest of the pack by halfway, reached in 14:43.77.  With just under 1600m left in the race, Masai began to pull away from his compatriot Lonyangata for good. Eventually crossing the finish in 27:53.88, Masai was overcome with jubilation after winning his first IAAF Junior Championships title. 

"I’m so happy being number one in the world, it's nice having Ethiopians and Ugandans [in the race]. I'm feeling so happy," said Masai, who will now shift his focus towards the upcoming Commonwealth Games in India in October.

"You know, I am so happy running."

Abraha of Ethiopia earned the silver in 28:03.45, while Lonyangata faded in the final Kilometer due to a stitch, earning the bronze in 28:14.55.

The top American in the field was Parker Stinson, who finished sixth in a time of 29:32.23, more than a minute faster than his previous personal best. 

ENDS