The organisers of this year’s Sirikwa Cross Country Tour have assured athletes of a favourable course during Saturday's event.
Abraham Mutai, chairman of the Local Organising Committee, said most of the obstacles and hurdles that were initially introduced on the course have been scrapped.
They want athletes to enjoy running in an international event at home while still avoiding injuries.
Mutai, who was accompanied by secretary Kennedy Tanui, said preparations are at 90 per cent.
“There are some more changes on the course, apart from the removal of the barriers. We still have a few obstacles and hills and a few turns, just to make it faster," said Mutai.
“The course is flat and very friendly for athletes. We removed the muddy patches and some of the barriers that were used last year. It has rained heavily in the region and the course will be wet. No need to include the mud patches," said Tanui.
"As much as it’s a cross country, we would want to have an event that suits athletes as they prepare for upcoming events."
“We are over 90 per cent ready with the few remaining issues set for ironing tomorrow (Thursday),” added Mutai.
Meanwhile, Athletics Kenya coach Julius Kirwa has clarified the criteria to pick the national team for the Africa Cross Country Championships in Tunis, Tunisia, on February 25.
Kirwa said with the continental event having been re-introduced in the calendar of events this year, a first since 2018, Kirwa said athletes will be allowed to register their interest.
“We cannot force anyone to go for the African Cross Country Championships,” said Kirwa. “We will let the athletes show their interest but we will still follow the results from Lobo.”
“If number one is not interested, then we go to two and follow this system until we have a full team.”
The Africa cross country precedes the World Cross Country — March 30 in Serbia — and which most athletes would prefer to compete in. The trials are set for March 9 when AK host the national cross country championships at Prisons Staff Training College, Ruiru.
