Literature
Top runners for Gusii meeting
Athletics Kenya (AK) public relations officer Peter Angwenyi, who is also the chairman of Nyanza South branch said, the challenging course in Kisii is an ideal incentive to attract more athletes as they seek to attain their optimum form ahead of the national trials.
Strong field
“Some have missed the earlier races in Machakos, Meru and Kericho and Kisii provides the best facility and course for them to start off their campaign. “However, the strong field of elite runners likely to grace the event will be a test enough to every runner,” he said. Both Cherono and Chepkorir dominated in Kericho while the men’s events were won by Japhet Korir, Philip Langat (8km), Olympic 5,000m bronze medallist Edwin Soi and Patrick Langat (12km).
All are expected to stake a claim for the Kisii prize money on Saturday.
Angwenyi also confirmed that institution teams from Armed Forces, Kenya Police and Kenya Prisons are expected to send in their runners in what is expected to be their first assignment of the season.
“Most of their athletes have not taken part in any events. They need to see what form they are in because their institutions meetings are coming in January,” said Angwenyi.Ngatunyi, who started his running in Kisii, stunned the country last year as he dominated the cross country circuit before he was eventually recruited by Kenya Prisons.
Moved camp
He however, did not do well in Edinburgh, Scotland during the World cross Country Championship. Ngatunyi, then moved camp to Japan where he has been so far. “He wants to start his campaign at a venue that has been for long his training ground. He has gained tremendous experience in Japan and it promises to be an explosive 12km race tomorrow,” said Angwenyi.Mfae Club of Nyahururu, Siwowet club, Nyamira and Transmara athletes will also use the chance to try and catch the coaches’ eye.
AK has cautioned that consistence will be paramount in final selection of the team to represent Kenya at the global event in Amman, Jordan next March and Angwenyi said the locals will not stand and let the chance to shine pass by. Top runner Grace Momanyi who also comes from Kisii, has however, been ruled out as she is yet to regain her fitness after a bad ending to her season in Beijing Olympics where she was dropped and whisked away from the Kenya team camp without actually participating in the women 10,000m race. She was replaced by Peninah Arusei.
