Obiri trains sights on National Cross Country title

World 5,000m champion Hellen Obiri (right) of Kenya Defence Forces team, and Perine Nenkampi have a feel of Eldoret Sport Club in Uasin Gishu County on February 22, 2019 on the eve of the Lotto/Athletics Kenya National Cross Country Championships. PHOTO | JARED NYATAYA |

By  Bernard Rotich

Reporter

NMG Sport

What you need to know:

  • Obiri, who has been training in Ngong in preparation for the race, said that’s she is ready for the task ahead

  • Nation Sport caught up with her doing her evening run on Friday and she predicted a tough race

  • The competition, which is being held outside Nairobi for the first time, is expected to attract a large crowd and will be aired live on NTV from 2pm

World 5,000m champion Hellen Obiri is optimistic she will do well in the National Cross Country Championships slated for Saturday at Eldoret Sports Club.

Obiri, who has been training in Ngong in preparation for the race, said that she is ready for the task ahead.

Nation Sport caught up with her doing her evening run on Friday and she predicted a tough race.

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“I have seen the course and I like it. It will be a competitive race but I will do my best to make sure I get a chance in the Kenyan team,” said Obiri who is also the African and Commonwealth champion in 5,000m.

Obiri is also keen on adding a cross country medal to her growing list of achievements.

“I have participated in various races and won medals, I also want to go for the cross country title,” said Obiri who will be running under Kenya Defence Forces banner.

Her teammates include Perin Nengapi, Deborah Samum, Dorcas Kimeli, Irene Kamais and Mercy Wanjiru.

They will face stiff competition from the defending champions National Police Service, Kenya Prisons and various individuals from different regions.

The championships will be used to select the team that will represent Kenya in the 43rd IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Aarhus, Denmark next month.

The competition, which is being held outside Nairobi for the first time, is expected to attract a large crowd and will be aired live on NTV from 2pm.

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