Nyanza region will send a team of 20 for the World School Cross Country trials at Nakuru High School on Thursday.
The team has the top 10 boys' and girls' performers from the regional school games at Rabuor Primary School over the weekend.
They are led by Perminus Tinega of Riabigutu Secondary (winner of the boys' 5.5km race) and Dorca Isoe of Keberesi (winner of the girls' In the girls’ 3.3km race).
Tinega won the boys’ race in 16:48.6 followed by Benedict Karori of Ruiru (16:53:8) and Anthony Omworo of Masongo (17:00.5).
“My target is the World Schools Cross County in Nairobi. I want to finish in the top 10 at the trials,” said Tinega.
Isoe clocked 12:48.04 to beat Mary Moraa and Abigael Chepkorir of Riooga to second and third in times of 12:49.08 and 12:56.9.
Others in the team are Rooney Balala (Rusinga), Richard Morang’a (Itumbe), Joel Omwoyo, Abel Barasa (Riooga), Faustine Baraka (Riambase), Samuel Obiri (Nyamage) and Nelson Akama (Kianungu)
The girls' team comprises Ruth Ondara (Riabigutu), Vanilla Moige (Keberesi), Naomi Otwabe (Borangi), Anastancia Nyang’au, Ann Kemuma, Susan Anari (Kianungu) and Dorca Cherop (Riooga).
The athletes arrive in Nakuru on Wednesday for vetting, registration and collection of bib numbers. They will also have a feel of the course.
The athletes must be born between 2006 and 2011 and need their original birth certificates, parents' consent letter and school release letter.
They must have UPI numbers.
"The technical officials are already at Nakuru marking the course. The loop has natural and artificial obstacles that are friendly to the athletes," said Wambua.
"We have minimal obstacles in the under-12 and will increase as we head to the under-18 category. Nakuru will be a test run for the main event at the Ngong Racecourse, Nairobi,” said Wambua.
Sixty athletes will represent Kenya in the U12, U15 and U18 categories. Being the hosts, Kenya will field a maximum of 10 boys and girls in each category.
