The Athletics Kenya National Cross Country Championship set for tomorrow in Eldoret will be the first test for the athletes ahead of the World Athletics Championships to be held in Tokyo, Japan in September this year.
Tomorrow’s championship at the Eldoret Sports Club will bring together the best athletes from each of the 16 AK affiliate regions and institutions.
Besides the national honours, athletes will also battle for the lucrative prize money, with winners of the 10 km set to be rewarded Ksh 200,000, 1st runners-up Ksh 130,000, and 2nd runners-up Ksh 100,000, trickling down with 10th placed set to pocket Ksh 10,000.
While inspecting preparations yesterday Athletics Kenya President Jack Tuwei, said he was impressed with the course.
“This is the precursor for what will happen so that when we go to the field, the athletes will be well prepared to qualify for the world championships in Tokyo,” said Tuwei.
He added that after the national cross country, AK weekend meetings will kick off with its first leg set for February 15 at the Mumias Sports Complex.
“After this, we are going straight to track and field because we only have one cross-country event, the Sirikwa cross-country, as part of our Road to Tokyo. I want to urge our athletes and coaches to prepare well to meet the qualifying standards and periods, and by the time we do trials, we know that all were prepared and we have to give equal opportunities,” added Tuwei.
At the national cross-country event, the President expressed satisfaction with the work done by technical officials.
“I went round to see everything, and I am happy with preparations. Everything has been met by the team and requirements for the cross country,” he said.
Saturday’s event will mark the conclusion of the cross-country season following the successful six cross-country series and regional championships.
