Kenya will seek to build up on last weekend's World Cross Country success ahead of the 2024 Paris Olympic Games in August, coach Julius Kirwa has said.
Kenya topped the world in Belgrade, Serbia, on March 30 with 11 medals— six gold, two silver, and three bronze.
Ethiopia were second with two gold, six silver and two bronze medals.
Uganda completed an East Africa podium sweep with one gold, one silver and three bronze medals.
"We must capitalise on our victory in Serbia to achieve even greater heights in Paris," said Kirwa.
"Beating our arch-rivals Ethiopia is a monumental morale boost."
However, it must not be business as usual. Kirwa said early preparations will be key.
They must move with speed, especially after their plans were shelved following the death of world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum.
Eliud Kipchoge, Benson Kipruto, two-time New York marathon champion Geoffrey Kamworor and London marathon champion Amos Kipruto.
Kiptum was in the provisional men's team alongside defending champion Eliud Kipchoge, Tokyo Marathon champion Benson Kipruto, two-time New York Marathon champion Geoffrey Kamworor, Amos London Marathon winner Kipruto, Vincent Kipkemoi, Timothy Kiplagat, Bernard Kiprop, Cyprian Kotut and Titus Kipruto.
"We are working toward opening our training camps next week," said Kirwa.
He exuded confidence about the marathon team's prospects in Paris.
"We have a strong marathon team. They will be ready by the time we jet out for the Olympics," added Kirwa.
He stressed the importance of putting the athletes in rigorous training, especially the men.
"Intensive, dedicated training is the key to turning our fortunes around in the men’s races. We suffered a lot at the African Games," he said.
At the March 8-23 African Games in Accra, Ghana, Ethiopia beat Kenya to the 3,000m steeplechase, 5,000m and 10,000m titles.
Kirwa blamed this on insufficient training time ahead of the Games.
“The athletes did not have sufficient time to train. After the trials, they had two to three days of training before flying to Ghana,” he noted.
The veteran coach emphasised the importance of group training ahead of major championships.
"Keeping athletes in one camp allows coaches to assess strengths and weaknesses, fostering healthy competition," Kirwa stated.
The women's marathon team has 2019 world marathon champion Ruth Chepng’etich, Tokyo Marathon champion Peres Jepchirchir, two-time 5,000m Olympic silver medallist Hellen Obiri and two-time Chicago Marathon champion Brigid Kosgei.
Others are Rosemary Wanjiru, Sheila Chepkirui, Judith Korir, Seley Chepyego, Sharon Lokedi and Joycilline Jepkosgei.
