A clash of champions expected as Athletics Kenya gears up to host World Cross-country national trials

ATHLETICS A clash of champions expected as Athletics Kenya gears up to host World Cross-country national trials

Abigael Wafula 21:32 - 01.03.2024

Athletes from different regions will descend on the course at the Prisons Staff Training College in Ruiru on Saturday ready to showcase their skills and cut tickets to the World Cross-country Championships.

Clashes from top athletes are expected as Athletics Kenya gears up to host the trials for the World Cross-country Championships on Saturday morning at the Prisons Staff Training College in Ruiru.

The event, which is also set to be used to crown the National Cross-country Championships has attracted athletes from all walks of life, who seek to make a name for themselves and hopefully represent the country in Serbia.

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Headlining the men’s 2km event will be Abel Kipsang, an able athlete in his own right, hoping to make the cut to the cross-country team.

Kipsang will be competing against newbies including Reynold Cheruiyot, the reigning World Under-20 1500m champion, who will prove to be a nightmare for Kipsang.

World 800m silver medallist Emmanuel Wanyonyi will also be in the mix after his dominant exploits at the Sirikwa Classic Cross-country. Others to watch in the men’s 2km include Kipng’etich Ngeno and Kyumbe Munguti.

The women’s 2km will also be a breathtaking show with Mirriam Cherop being among the headliners of the strong field. Former World Under-20 1500m champion Purity Chepkirui will also be in the mix, hoping to secure the top prize after stamping authority at the Sirikwa Classic Cross-country.

Lilian Kasait will also be seeking redemption after a disappointing show at the Sirikwa Classic that saw her nowhere near the podium.

World 10km record holder Agnes Jebet has confirmed participation in the senior women’s race, going up against a formidable field. She will be up against the Kenya Defense Forces duo of Joycilline Jepkosgei and Sheila Chepkirui, who have long been known to dominate the roads.

Reigning World Cross-country Champion Beatrice Chebet will also be in the mix after taking a much-needed break from competing. Pamela Kosgei, the younger sister to Brigid Kosgei has also confirmed participation in the event.

In-form Emmaculate Anyango and Grace Loibach will also not be left behind as they have already collected their bibs, ready for the big show.

The men’s race will see Sabastian Sawe take on youngster Ishmael Kipkurui among other top athletes including Nicholas Kimeli, Weldon Langat and Kibiwott Kandie. Cross-country guru Geoffrey Kamworor will also be in the mix.