Kenya believe the national trials for the Open Africa Masters Athletics Championships will set the perfect platform for them to successfully defend their continental title during this year's edition at Nyayo Stadium on November 22-27.
The two-day trials begin this morning at Nyayo Stadium, Nairobi with over 800 athletes expected to battle for the approximately 40 places available in Team Kenya.
“We shall be hosting a big number of athletes to select a formidable team that will help us retain the continental title we won two years ago. This journey has been long but successful,” Athletics Kenya Masters’ secretary general Rose Tata Muya said.
The 400m hurdles specialist added: "The event is an open championship and therefore teams from the rest of the world are eligible to take part. The top two athletes will qualify for the Open even though they will have to make the required qualifying time.”
Muya said they are looking beyond the continent and will immediately shift focus to next year's indoor championships in Edmonton, Canada as well as the World Masters in Tampere, Finland.
"Competing in this event also keeps you healthy even after retirement courtesy of a physically active lifestyle. Next year we have Edmonton and Tampere to think about so the preparations will continue even after the Africa Championship," she said.
In Rades, Tunisia, two years ago, Kenya won a total of 40 medals —31 gold, eight silver and a bronze — to top the standings in an event where teams from other continents featured.
Eligible athletes must be aged between 35 and 80 years.
However, Muya said they have encountered challenges ferrying and accommodating interested runners for the trials due to the current Covid-19 situation.
"We had to write to various counties to support their athletes. I must thank the governor for but Elgeyo Marakwet who has responded positively and sponsored the 45 athletes from the county to participate in the event,” she said.
The trials will feature nine categories, divided by age, which contain various specialties including the 21km road race to be held on Saturday.
