Athletics Kenya, Nairobi region, is targeting to select a formidable team for the National Cross-Country Championships set for the 25th of this month in Eldoret.
The region’s championship will be held this Friday, 10th October, at the Kasarani open grounds, with over 500 athletes having already confirmed their participation.
Speaking ahead of the Friday event, AK Nairobi region Chairman Barnaba Korir said they aim to defend their junior men’s title at the nationals.
“Nairobi decided to go to Roysambu; we have the chance also to take athletics to the sub-counties, and that’s why we go there to have this race, which is for environmental protection, since it will coincide with Mazingira Day, set aside for conserving the environment,” stated Korir.
The championship will also double as the inaugural edition of the Roysambu Mazingira run, which aims to raise funds in support of educating bright and needy students at the Roysambu United Foundation.
“So instead of having two different races for the same purpose, we decided as an executive committee with the organisers of the Roysambu Mazingira Day to combine the two activities so that we make it one. It’s going to be big, and remember, also, the Mazingira run organisers are actually giving out prizes for the top winners.” Korir said
Race categories include the 10km senior men and women, the 8km and 6km under-20 categories, the kids, and the community categories.
“So we are okay, and we also want to strengthen the competition. When we are doing the track and field, we also have a very strong team that trains in Nairobi.” Korir continued.
Winners of the 10 km races will be rewarded Ksh 40,000, 1st runners-up 25,000, and 2nd runners-up 15,000, trickling down until 6th position.
In the under-20 category, winners will walk home with Ksh 20,000, while the 1st and 2nd runners-up will be rewarded Ksh 10,000 and Ksh 5,000, respectively.
The selected Nairobi region will compete in the National cross country/trials to be held in Eldoret on 25th October at the Eldoret Sports Club, where Athletics Kenya will select a team for the World Cross Country Championship in January next year in Tallahassee, USA.
