Eldoret ready to host tough mini-Olympics

Kenneth Kiplagat was in second place following closely Joash Kiplimo who won the 3000m steeplechase race during AK Safaricom Premier Weekend meet held at Kipchoge Stadium In Eldoret yesterday. He allegedly slipped into the water and finished in position four. 22.05.2015. Picture By Peter Ochieng.

After verbal debate, the wait is over. Preparations are almost complete and the stage is set for the top guns to clash at the Olympic national trials in Eldoret tomorrow.

The new-theatre, the refurbished Kipchoge Keino Stadium, welcomes Kenya’s globetrotting stars for a battle of a lifetime.

Abraham Mutai, the Local Organizing Committee chairman, said the facility is ready to host the ‘mini-Olympics’ set for tomorrow and Friday.

“Everything is ready. We are just putting the final touches. Accreditation was done at Sirikwa Hotel yesterday and continues today,” said Mutai.

A warm up area adjacent to the stadium has been created and athletes can also use GK Prisons Eldoret sports grounds for warm up sessions.

Yesterday, carpenters were doing repairs on the pavilion while masons were finishing up the toilets, washrooms and changing rooms. Pitches for field events are also ready.

Painting of the perimeter wall and the roofing of the terraces was also done yesterday.

“We are ready for the competition. We hope the painting will be completed today,” said Mutai.

The LOC had promised to erect tents on the terraces, which had not been done by yesterday.

More than 200 athletes including Olympic, world and Commonwealth Games champions have been invited to the event.

There is excitement and high expectations in the region, which is often billed as the ‘Mecca’ of world athletics.

Olympic 800m champion David Rudisha, Ezekiel Kemboi (3,000m SC), Asbel Kiprop (1,500m), Eunice Sum (800m) and Hyvin Kiyeng (3,000m SC) will light up Kipchoge Stadium.