Low turnout mars Nyeri cross country race
Japan based Kenneth Kimathi (022) breaks off from the pack in the 12Km senior men race at the Nyeri Cross country competitions on January 24, 2015. Athletics Kenya (AK) South Rift Branch has cautioned athletes against using banned substances ahead of the branch’s cross-country championships. PHOTO | JOSEPH KANYI |
What you need to know:
- Nyeri branch Athletics Kenya officials could not name a 24-member team for next weekend’s Central region competition to be held at the same venue.
- A spot check by the Nation last week established that the main county stadiums; Ruring’u, Gichira, Ihururu and Mweiga have been converted to grazing fields with the unmarked running tracks overgrown with grass.
- Last week, the executive said that athletes had no excuse of not training since they can use village playgrounds for their speed work.
Low turnout marred the Nyeri County Cross Country competitions held at Karatina stadium on Saturday.
Only 49 runners from eight sub counties in the county participated in the event.
The 8km race was worst hit by the low turnout of ladies with only two; Francisca Ntheka from Mukurweini sub county and Kiptoo Juliet participating.
The officials could not even record their timing as the ladies were too slow forcing the officials to just enter their names in the finish list.
Nyeri branch Athletics Kenya officials could not name a 24-member team for next weekend’s Central region competition to be held at the same venue.
The branch secretary general Mutahi Kahiga attributed the poor turnout to poor stadiums for training which has led to enormous exodus of athletes to other counties.
A spot check by the Nation last week established that the main county stadiums; Ruring’u, Gichira, Ihururu and Mweiga have been converted to grazing fields with the unmarked running tracks overgrown with grass.
NO TRAINING
The County Executive in charge of sports Elijah Nguyo admitted to the Nation that there had been no build up competitions in the sub counties in readiness of the county’s big event.
Last week, the executive said that athletes had no excuse of not training since they can use village playgrounds for their speed work.
“Athletes do not need international standard facility to train for cross country. If anything they can use local village playgrounds for that,” he said.
Kenneth Kimathi braved a hot morning weather to win the 12km senior men race clocking 36:04.31.
He led from the front from gun-to-tape something but he attributed his low pace to lack of formidable competition.
“There were no strong athletes to push me. I wish there was somebody to team up with me to make good time,” he said.
