The organisers of the third edition of the Sirikwa Cross Country have introduced a 2km loop that will help in selecting a mixed relay team ahead of Africa Cross Country championships.
Race secretary Kennedy Tanui said: “There will be a 2km loop to help us pick the best two men and women for the mixed relays. We will also have one reserve athlete in each gender."
At the same time, 578 athletes, both local and foreign have confirmed their participation in Saturday's event.
Out of the confirmed athletes, senior men have taken the lion’s share with 204 athletes followed by senior women at 148. The under-20 boys entry stands at 115 and 111 for the girls as of Monday 2 pm.
“These four categories were invited to compete in the race. They consist of local and foreign athletes,” said Tanui.
He insisted that all the athletes will have to collect their running numbers on Friday.
“We want to insist on collecting their running bibs to avoid unnecessary congestion come Saturday morning of the race,” he said.
The event will start with the kids' athletics — five to 15-year-olds.
The categories include 13-16 years for boys and girls, 9-12 years for boys and girls and 5-8 years for both boys and girls.
“Apart from the kids' athletics, we shall have competition for the 50 and 60-year-olds —men and women. The international races start at 1 pm including 6km under 20 women, 8km under 20 men, 10km senior women and the 10km senior men,” explained Tanui.
