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Focus shifts to next month’s national trials after KCB/AK Cross Country series

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Published on Sunday, 08 January 2012 12:19

As the Athletics Kenya/Kenya Commercial Bank Cross Country seven circuit series came to a close in Kisii on Saturday, action shifts to Nairobi for the national trials next month.

The action-packed national Cross Country championships cum IAAF permit meeting to be staged at Uhuru Gardens is scheduled for February 18.

But the main focus will be the chase for slots in the national team to the second edition of Africa Cross Country championships in Cape Town, South Africa on March 18.

Reigning champions should be at their best to counter emerging athletes.

Winners of the Kisii weekend meeting have vowed to give the defending champions a run for their money as the battle for the slots gathers momentum.

The KCB/AK champions, especially jackpot winners, said they were using the Kisii meeting to improve their time with their eyes set on the national team to South Africa.

"I want to be part of the national Cross Country team to the African championships...the encounter here at the tough Kisii Golf Course presented a good opportunity as part of my build up," said Timothy Kiptoo.

Despite being second to Japan-based Bedan Karoki in the 12km senior men’s race, Kiptoo grabbed the Sh200,000 jackpot prize.

Kiptoo, Karoki and third-placed Fredrick Musyoki will fight for slots with Africa Cross Country champion John Mwangangi, silver medalist Stephen Kiprotich and bronze medalist Henry Chirchir for the continental competitions.

Senior women title holder Mercy Cherono, silver medalist Viola Kibiwott and bronze medalist Doris Chengeiywo will encounter stiff opposition from Venessa Chemtai who bagged the jackpot prize, impressive performers Fridah Chelagat and Purity Cherotich.

In the Junior men’s 8km, Japheth Korir who took the gold and Patrick Muaka (Silver) will have to battle it out with new kids on the block including jackpot winner Justin Cheruyot, William Malel and Leonard Barsotun. Bronze medalist Nicholas Togom has since graduated to senior men category.

In the junior women 6km, 15-year-old Mercy Chebwogen will be in contention for a slot to represent the country in the continental duel billed to be a replica of last year where the Kenyan team swept the podium.

AK Publicity Secretary Peter Angwenyi said the national trials will be preceded by district championships beginning January 27