National Cross-Country Championship Preparations in Full Swing Ahead of February 8 Event
Abraham Mutai, the Regional Chair of Central Rift Athletics Kenya, confirmed that athletes from various regions and affiliates have already been assembled for the championship.
Preparations for the National Cross-Country Championship are currently underway, with the event set to take place on Saturday, February 8, at Eldoret Sports Club. Photo/The Standard Kenya.
By Joy Jeelagat
Preparations for the highly anticipated National Cross-Country Championship are in full swing as the event is set to take place on Saturday, February 8, at Eldoret Sports Club.
The competition, which marks the beginning of Kenya’s track and field season, is expected to draw top athletes from across the country and will serve as a buildup to the Tokyo World Championship.
Abraham Mutai, the Regional Chair of Central Rift Athletics Kenya, confirmed that athletes from various regions and affiliates have already been assembled for the championship.
The event will feature a range of races, including the 6km Under-20 Women’s race, the 8km Under-20 Men’s race, the 10km Senior Women’s and Senior Men’s races, as well as a 2km loop for both men and women.
Mutai also announced that the prize money for the competition has been increased this year, thanks to the support of sponsors such as Betika, AMACO, Coca-Cola, and the county government.
“The prize money has been increased, which is a great boost for the athletes,” he said, expressing optimism for the event’s success.
Ibrahim Hussein, head of the technical team, highlighted that this is the second time the championship will be held in Eldoret, a location he believes provides the perfect setting for spectators to enjoy the races.
“The racing course is ideally situated for fans to come and watch,” Hussein noted.
Kennedy Tanui, the competition director for the National Championship, expressed his appreciation for the organizers’ efforts in meeting the event’s high standards.
He confirmed that race entries closed on Tuesday at midnight and assured the public that the competition will feature a star-studded lineup of top cross-country runners from across Kenya.
Athletes are scheduled to arrive on Thursday, with race bibs and running kits to be distributed on Friday. On the day of the competition, Tanui announced that a medical camp, sponsored by Betika, will be available starting at 8 AM.
The camp will provide free medical services, with a team of doctors and practitioners on hand to attend to both participants and spectators.
Tanui also confirmed that the Cabinet Secretary for Sports, Hon. Salim Mvurya, will deliver a speech at 11:30 AM.
The National Cross-Country Championship promises to be a significant event on Kenya’s athletics calendar, bringing together participants from diverse institutions, including the Kenya Defence Forces, Kenya Police, Prisons, and universities.
“This is a bronze-level event,” Tanui said, adding that all 12 regions and 4 affiliates will be represented. The competition is poised to showcase the depth of talent within Kenya’s rich athletics tradition.
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