Athletics Kenya (AK) competitions director Kennedy Tanui has promised surprises when the federation unveils the team to represent Kenya at next year’s World Cross Country Championships.
The global showpiece is set for January 10 in Tallahassee, Florida and today’s showdown at the Eldoret Sports Club will serve as the Kenyan trials.
Tanui hinted that fans should brace for surprises, with a possible wave of new champions emerging from the dust of Eldoret.
“Don’t be surprised, we may name 90 per cent new faces, but most of them have been winning the Betika Cross Country Series and the regional championships leading up to this event,” Tanui said.
“Therefore, be prepared for surprises.”
Among the headline acts returning to defend their crowns are reigning champions Daniel Simiu and Brillian Kipkoech.
Simiu stormed to the men’s title in 30:48 last year, while Kipkoech clocked 34:30 to clinch the women’s crown.
But new faces are expected to shake things up, with half marathon specialist Alex Matata and the in-form Maurine Chebor tipped as potential dark horses.
Tanui expects nothing short of a fierce contest.
“We are very optimistic this will be a highly competitive race, especially since we are preparing for another World Championship,” he said.
“A huge number of top performers are here, the very best in their fields.”
The AK official explained that the early trials are part of strategic planning to ensure smooth preparations for the trip to the United States.
“We are conducting the national trials early because of several issues. Once we select the team, we must comply with visa regulations, which require us to apply at least a month in advance,” he noted.
“There are a lot of processes and procedures involved in securing US visas.”
Tanui added that the early trials will also help transition track athletes smoothly into the cross country season.
“We also need time to prepare those coming off the track season for cross country competition,” he said.
He highlighted that the national championships come on the heels of Kenya’s impressive showing at the Tokyo World Championships, where the country finished second overall behind the United States.
Kenya bagged 11 medals (seven gold, two silver and two bronze) behind the USA, who claimed 26 medals.
Once the national team is unveiled, preparations will shift to the traditional residential training base in Kigari, Embu.
“Immediately we name the team, we will move to our traditional camp in Kigari. It has always been a good base for Team Kenya in cross country since time immemorial,” Tanui said.
He also expressed gratitude to sponsors, particularly Betika, for their continued support of local athletics.
“Sports is a very expensive venture, and when partners like Betika come on board, we as AK say a big thank you,” he remarked.
Tanui concluded by rallying fans to fill the stands and cheer on the athletes.
“I want to welcome everybody to the Eldoret Sports Club for our national championships. Let’s come out in large numbers and support our athletes,” he urged.
