Second AK/KCB Cross-country series for Eldoret
Photo/FILE
Timothy Kiptoo on his way to victory in the 12km race of the Kenya Commercial Bank / Athletics Kenya Cross Country weekend series in Machakos earlier in the season.
More than 1,000 athletes will take to the course as the second Kenya Commercial Bank/Athletics Kenya Cross-country series moves to Eldoret on Saturday.
The Eldoret meeting – often dubbed Kenya’s mini-national trials – will set the stage as campaigns for places in Kenya’s team to next year’s Africa Cross-Country Championships in Cape Town, South Africa, start in earnest.
And as preparations for next season’s major championships begin, Athletics Kenya has sounded a warning to age-cheats.
AK Secretary General David Okeyo said only junior athletes will take part in junior races and asked those born in 1992 and earlier to line up in the senior categories.
AK gets tough
“We are asking organisers to adhere to this rule. Let the athletes compete in the right categories for us to see who to pick for the national trials,” said Okeyo.
Unlike the past when the North Rift affiliate hosted the last meeting of the seven-tie series, Chepkoilel Campus of Moi University will be chocking with humanity when runners take to the course to chase the KCB/AK jackpot.
Fatwell Kimaiyo, the event coordinator, said a new course has been designed within the college to ensure the event attains required standards.
“This is a national meet where athletes will be chasing Sh1.2 million jackpot. We are seeing the number exceeding 1,000,” said Kimaiyo.
The annual Tegla Loroupe Peace Run will also be held at the same time in Kapenguria town.
Elite athletes expected
Coming at a time when track athletes are about to start training ahead of the 2012 London Olympics, the Eldoret meeting will be crowded with elite athletes seeking to test their form before embarking on full-time training.
“Many of those who are interested in representing Kenya in the African Cross-country Championships next year have promised to participate in the event.
“We enjoy seeing them run at home to encourage the younger athletes,” said Tecla Sang, the 1978 Commonwealth Games 800m winner who is also a member of the event’s organising committee.
The KCB/AK series kicked off in Tala, Kangundo, last weekend, with former Commonwealth 10,000 metres champion Lucy Kabuu and former world cross-country champion John Mwangangi winning.
After Eldoret, Mt Elgon will host the third meeting on November 20 at Kapsokwony.
