Experienced Gathimba the star attraction in Nyeri meeting

Veteran 1,500 metres runner Gideon Gathimba from Laikipia Air Base comes face to face with fast-rising athlete James Kariuki in Nyeri cross country meeting on Saturday, with tickets to Central region cross country championships up for grabs.

Gathimba and Nyeri runner Kariuki will lead athletes in battle at the grassy Kabiruini grounds in the outskirts of Nyeri town.

With temperature expected to hit 26 degrees Celsius, local Athletics Kenya branch officials are optimistic of selecting a strong squad to mount a stiff challenge to opponents from Nyandarua at Central region championships.

Athletes from Nyandarua have dominated past editions of Central region championships.

Senior men’s 10km race is expected to be the day’s highlight as Gathimba takes on other runners.

“I am hoping to have a quality race. Nyeri County has worthy opponents but I am up to the task,” said Gathimba.

DID NOT COMPETE

Although he did not take part in last weekend’s build-up races, Gathimba will be representing Mathira West Sub-county.

James Kariuki from Kieni is expected to chase for the glory from the cabin.

He displayed a scintillating race at Mweiga meeting where he floored the 2017 national cross country trials finalist Benson Bett.

In junior races, Athletics Kenya boasts a strong squad for the competition after mobilising young talents a week ago.

Nyeri County government will help with the transportation of all the eight teams from the sub counties to today’s meeting, according to county sports executive Margaret Macharia.

Nyeri, being the home of the Central AK secretary who is now Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga, is under intense pressure to perform well at the regional level.
A 24-member team will be formed to represent the county at the regional meeting at Kerugoya in Kirinyaga County on January 27.