Focus now on Commonwealth Games title - Manangoi

World 1,500m champion Elijah Manangoi will take a stab at the Commonwealth Games title set for April 4-15 in Gold Coast, Australia.

Manangoi noted that his participation in the first leg of Athletics Kenya Cross Country Series at Posta grounds, Ngong Road on Saturday marked the start of his journey to Gold Coast where he hopes to atone for his poor show at the previous 2014 Glasgow Games in Scotland.

Manangoi made it to the final but finished last in the race where Kenyans James Magut and Ronald Kwemoi staged a 1-2 podium finish.

Manangoi said he is looking forward to take part in at least two more cross country events with a view of enriching his endurance and morale ahead of the season where besides the “Club” Games, he hopes to make the team for the Africa Senior Championships planned for August 1-5 in Assaba, Nigeria.

“I also intend to take part in the usual Diamond League where I want to win the Series this time round,” said Manangoi, who covered the full men’s 10km race, finishing 50th. Manangoi’s friend and World 1,500m silver medallist Timothy Cheruiyot failed to finish the race, which was his first cross event, owing to the muddy course.

That should see Manangoi taking part in the Commonwealth Games trials planned for March 8-10 at the National Stadium and the National Championships are set for July 13-14 where a team will be selected for Africa's competition.

“I just want to maintain good shape devoid of injuries throughout the coming season,” said Manangoi, adding that he will be under pressure to perform considering the stiff competition from compatriots Cheruiyot, three times World 1,500m champion Asbel Kiprop and Kwemoi. Magut is also back in training, having recovered from an injury.

“There is nothing much I will change in my training programme unless my coach says so,” said Manangoi, who is handled by Bernard Ouma of Rongai Club.