Catherine Reline and Edward Zakayo are optimistic about making the cut into Team Kenya both at the World Cross Country Championships and the Olympic Games.
Reline is the 2023 half marathon bronze medalist while Zakayo bagged bronze in the Commonwealth Games in 2018.
Speaking over the weekend following their triumph at the North Rift region championships in Kapenguria, West Pokot County, Reline said she is keen to feature in global shows after missing many international showpieces in the past.
"I want to maximize this year by featuring at the World Cross Country championships. It was a pity to miss previous events but now am back with a bang," she said.
Reline is the winner of the 2023 Chemususu half marathon. She failed to meet the standard time to qualify for the delayed Tokyo Olympic Games.
“It was disappointing to miss the trip to Tokyo but I am banking on proper preparations to make it to Paris," she added.
Reline won the title in 31:22.4 followed by Christine Chesiro (31:31.1) and Maureen Jepkoech settled for third position at 32:22.4.
Zakayo, the 2018 world under 20 5,000m champion said he has never represented the country in major championships at the senior level.
However, having healed from a nagging injury, Zakayo feels 2024 is his year as he attempts to make his mark on the global stage.
“This is my year after healing from a hip injury. My body is in better shape and I want to compete at the World Championships, World Cross country or Olympic Games," Zakayo said.
"I have started the season and I will give my best. The injury is behind me and I can only get better."
Zakayo won the 10km senior men's race in 27:47.2 followed by two-time Los Angeles marathon champion John Korir (27:54.5) and newly crowned Tinderet Mountain running champion Fredrick Domongole (28:04.7).
Elsewhere, world cross country junior champion Ismail Kipkurui will lead the Central Rift after winning the region's title held at the Sinonin Secondary School in Baringo County
Kipkurui crossed the finish line at 31:02. Gideon Rono (31:11) and James Mateelong 31:41.2 were second and third respectively.
