Buddies Kipruto, Zakayo to clash at Discovery X-Country

Rhonex Kipruto crosses the finishing line to win the Tuskys Wareng Cross Country 10km senior men’s race in Eldoret on November 25, 2018. PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA |

What you need to know:

  • Zakayo, who has also expressed his intentions to scale to senior level, expects a good battle against Kipruto and the rest of the senior men’s pack.
  • “Discovery has always had strong entries but I am eyeing victory,” said Zakayo.

World Under-20 champions Rhonex Kipruto (10,000m) and Edward Zakayo (5,000m) will face-off in men’s senior 10km race during the 28th edition of Discovery Cross Country Championships on Sunday at Eldoret Sports Club.

Kipruto, who is training under coach Colm ‘O Connell in Iten, said that he is ready to test seasoned athletes in the senior race.

“My training is going on well and I will be looking forward to a good race where victory will be good as I transit to the senior category,” said Kipruto.

Last year, Kipruto won the 8km junior race in 24:08.6, beating his friend Zakayo, who came second after clocking 24:16.1.

Kipruto said that he is using the Discovery race as part of his preparations for the Regionals Cross Country Championships to be held in Maralal, Samburu ahead of the National Cross Country Championships due February 23 at Eldoret Sports Club.

“My ultimate target is the national title so as to make Team Kenya for the World Cross Country Championships," explained Kipruto.

The global event is planned for March 30 in Aarhus, Denmark.

Zakayo, who has also expressed his intentions to scale to senior level, expects a good battle against Kipruto and the rest of the senior men’s pack.

“Discovery has always had strong entries but I am eyeing victory,” said Zakayo.

Other athletes, who are expected to participate in the race include defending champion Josphat Kipchirchir, Emmanuel Bor, Mathew Kimeli and Gilbert Kimunyan among others.

The women's category has attracted a good number including World Under-20 5,000m champion Beatrice Chebet, World Under-18 800m silver medallist Lydia Jeruto, Edina Jebitok, Sheila Chelangat, Sandrafelis Chebet among others.

According to coach David Letting, who is one of the organisers, the preparations are almost complete and a good number of athletes are expected to grace the occasion.

“More than 3,000 athletes are expected to attend the race which has produced world beaters including the current two-time World Cross Country champion Geoffrey Kamworor. They will be using the race as part of preparations for the national trials which will be held at the same place,” said Letting.

The race will feature various categories which include 500m boys and girls under 7 years, 2km boys under 12 years, 4km boys and girls under 14 years, 6km junior women, 8km senior women, 8km senior women and 10km senior men.