The 2022 Standard Chartered Marathon 10km bronze medallist Bravin Kiprop has had to change his training routine following the changes in the Athletics Kenya cross-country calendar.
On Friday, Athletics Kenya announced the changes to facilitate preparations, including visa application, for the World Cross Country Championships set for Bathurst, Australia.
“My biggest hope and prayer right now is to be part invited for the World Cross Country Championships trials,” said Kiprop.
Kiprop said he believes he has done sufficient training and is ready to face his counterparts next month.
“Cross country is a challenge since we are faced with many obstacles such as water and mud during the runs but all in all, I am determined to go to Australia,” he said.
Kiprop participated in two of the four Athletics Kenya cross country series — Kericho and Kapsowar. He won the Kapsowar leg in 28:39 and placed third at the Kericho Betika cross country in 29:45 behind Michael Kibet (29:40) and Edwin Bett (29:45).
The national trials will feature 2km senior men and women, 6km U20 women, 8km U20 men, and 10km senior men and women.
In the selection criteria laid down by Athletics Kenya, the first six athletes in each category, save for the 2km runs, will automatically earn a ticket to Australia.
In addition the first three runners in both the senior men and women's 2km races will make the mixed relays team. The fourth and fifth place finishers will be picked as reserves.
