Jackpot returns to cross series

Published on

By Mutwiri Mutuota

The 2009/2010 KCB/Athletics Kenya National Cross Country Series has been revamped with the competition’s jackpot last paid out in 2003 making a return.

At the same time, this season’s premier local cross challenge will be competed over seven meetings as opposed to six with the February 20 grand finale, the IAAF Permit/KCB-AK National Cross Country Championships, moving to Uhuru Gardens rather than the traditional Ngong Racecourse.

At a function yesterday where bankers KCB presented AK with Sh7.5m in sponsorship for the restructured series whose aim is to unearth the national team for March 28 Bydgoszcz World Cross in Poland, federation chairman, Isaiah Kiplagat, disclosed changes were made to liven up the series.

"We saw it necessary to make the series more interesting to attract more fans and sponsors. Nairobi has been added to the series meetings and with increased prize money and re-introduction of the jackpot, we expect good competition," Kiplagat said.

Witnessed success

KCB CEO, Martin Odour Otieno remarked, "We have been encouraged by the success we have witnessed in the past two seasons, with each event attracting an average of 600 runners and the national championship bringing close to 1,000 top athletes."

He added Sh5.2m would support organisation of the series with a further Sh1.5m earmarked as prize kitty. Sh560,000 is reserved for winners at the Nationals with the bank spending a further Sh2m on venue branding and other support services.

The series kicks-off in Machakos on Saturday followed by Kericho (November 21), Nairobi (November 28), Meru (December 5), Kisii (December 19), Mt Elgon (January 9) and Eldoret (January 16) to conclude the rounds.

Jackpot winners have to top three rounds and the final and are expected to take home Sh150,000 each (senior men and senior women). In addition, winners at all rounds will receive Sh20,000 (seniors) with the amount going up to Sh50,000 at the finals for each of four categories.

Elsewhere, coach Gregory Kilonzo, who was banned for life by AK has had his sanction lifted. Speaking to FeverPitch, AK vice-chairman, Paul Mutwii, said Kilonzo had his ban overturned after, "he apologised and launched an appeal with us (Executive Committee) that we have accepted."