BY STANLEY MAGUT
Africa 10,000m champion out to use Iten’s premium show to build speed
AFRICA 10,000m champion Kenneth Kipkemoi is eyeing a win at the second premium meeting of the Athletics Kenya and Kenyan Commercial Bank Cross country series at Iten on Saturday.
Kipkemoi who placed 12th during the trials for the 2013 IAAF world cross county last year said he will be using the event to build his speed.
He said he has lined up several races for next season and will take part in the cross country series to build his endurance as well as speed.
“Cross country competitions are normally good for speed and this is good for me since apart from eyeing the victory in the men’s 12km race, I will be keeping up my form,” Kipkemoi said.
He however, said he hasn’t decided if he will compete for the elusive Team Kenya slots for the China world cross country next year in Guiyang.
Meanwhile over 3,000 athletes are expected to grace the Iten event which at the Iten grounds.
Being a small town, the hosting of hundreds of established and up and coming athletes, residents are explecting thrills and spills.
Several overseas athletes also train in the region and the event has been dubbed an international one.
According to Athletics Kenya Elgeyo Marakwet County chairman Pius Kiplagat, preparations are almost complete.
“This being the town of all athletes in the world, the event has gained international standards since apart from our many local athletes here, we have those from other countries like New Zealand, Uganda, USA among others who normally train here,” Kiplagat said.
Major (retired) Michael Rotich who is the North Rift region AK chairman said most upcoming athletes will have an opportunity to prove their worth since the event will be happening at their doorstep.
“The athletes who normally fail to attend certain competitions due to lack of travel fare will have a chance to compete here at home. What is needed from them is to register and registration is free and to avail themselves,” Rotich said.
Host Governor Alex Tolgos will be the chief guest flanked by Athletics Kenya top brass lead by the federations’ president Isaiah Kiplagat.
Courtesy of the-star.co.ke