World 800m champion Mary Moraa has thrown down the gauntlet, declaring her intent to reclaim the national 800m title as the Athletics Kenya national championships get underway at the Ulinzi Sports Complex on Wednesday.
The 25-year-old speedster, who skipped last year’s edition, is keen to reclaim the title she last won in 2023, when she clocked 1:59.85 at the Nyayo Stadium ahead of Peninah Mutisya (2:00.78) and Vivian Chebet (2:00.82).
She will have to, however, encounter current holder, Olympian Lilian Odira, who won it last year in 2:02.21 ahead of Sarah Moraa (2:02.36) with Mweni Kalimi completing the podium in 2:03.24.
Moraa, who stunned the world with a 1:56.03 masterclass to clinch gold at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest, believes the three-day meet offers a timely fitness gauge ahead of the August 1-2 World Championships trials.
“This championship will help test my form. They act as a perfect platform as we prepare for the World Championships trials in August,” said Moraa.
In addition to chasing glory, Moraa believes the championships are crucial in inspiring the next generation of middle-distance runners.
“The nationals are important in helping younger athletes grow. We push each other on the track and it’s an opportunity for juniors to rise on the national stage,” she said.
“I have been competing in the 400m and 800m races over the years. I will not be there forever. There needs to be someone else who will take over that baton in the future.”
Among her fiercest challengers is the 2023 African 400m champion Sarah, who is also alive to the challenge ahead.
“When you are in an event, you should expect anything; only three medals are being fought for... anything is possible,” Sarah said.
Meanwhile, Moraa expects tough competition in defending her world title in Tokyo but insists she is up to the task.
“It’s good to get good competitors, who have 1:59 and below, so that the race may be more intense and exciting,” she said.
Sarah, on the other hand, is hoping to challenge her mentor and claim her maiden national title.
“It will not be easy going up against Mary because she has been my mentor and she will not sit and let me beat her and I will also be hoping to beat her,” Sarah said.
She is in perfect condition to achieve her targets.
“My training has been good and my body is in good shape. I am hoping for the best,” said Sarah, who hopes to lower her personal best of 1:58.96 set while finishing third at the Kip Keino Classic.
“The season has been good compared to last year. I got qualified for the World Championships early. This will help me prepare for the trials,” she added.
Her time at the Kip Keino Classic is well within the 1:59.00 standard for Tokyo. Since clinching the World U-20 title in Lima, Peru, last year, the teenage sensation has been growing in confidence.
“The World U-20 title has given me confidence. I am stronger this year compared to last year,” she added.
Last year, Sarah clocked 2:00.36 to clinch gold in Peru ahead of Australia’s Claudia Hollingsworth (2:00.87) and American Sophia Gorriaran (2:01.04).
Meanwhile, 2015 African 400m silver medallist Boniface Mweresa eyes a return to top form as he chases the Tokyo qualifying mark of 44.85 seconds over 400m.
“My goal is to dip under the Tokyo standard. I’ll assess my body during the heats, then go for it in the semis or final,” Mweresa said.
He has recently featured in the shorter sprints to sharpen his speed.
“I have been featuring in the 100m and a few 200m races to build my speed. The short sprint events help with getting the explosive speed, crucial for the 400m,” he added.
Mweresa, who suffered a slight strain during the KDF Championships on June 12, is now back on track.
“This is the third time I am running the 400m this season and I hope that it will be good. I got a slight strain at the KDF championships a few days back but my body is responding well now and I am hoping for the best,” he noted.
