Memorial Agnes Tirop Cross Country meeting venue adjusted

It is just hours to the epic clash at the Memorial Agnes Tirop World Cross Country Gold Tour at the Lobo Village in the outskirts of Eldoret.

Yesterday, the lush course was ready to host at least 70 international cross country athletes in the race slated for tomorrow.

More than 20,000 athletics enthusiasts from the Rift Valley and beyond will be gathering to enjoy the spectacular action. Thousands had turned up to follow the National Cross Country Championships which were staged in the same venue on January 22.

Apart from the thrilling races, a blend of delightful entertainment sessions will further electrify the venue.

Athletics Kenya (AK) officials said major adjustments have been made at the venue (in and outside the course), in the final preparations.

AK Central Rift chairman Abraham Mutai said the VIP section has been elevated to allow fans to follow the action with ease.

“We have slightly shifted the start and the finish to allow a better view. The sitting area has been adjusted. We have made bridges, which will raise the VIP area to look like a temporary stadium and increase the number of spectators,” Mutai explained during a briefing at the venue.

Senior men’s 10km race will start at 3pm, with the women’s competition, which is expected to be the marquee event, kicking off at 4pm.

Junior races will be starting at 10am. Mutai said the junior races will entertain fans and guests ahead of the major clashes in the afternoon.

“Having the women’s 10km race as the final is against the norm but this is a memorial race and we are using it to remember our slain athlete, Agnes Tirop,” Mutai said.

AK senior vice president Paul Mutwii, who is the competition’s director said the adjustments makes the course attain global standards.

“We spotted certain areas that needed some improvements to give the course an international touch.

“Everything is in order, only a few touches as we wait for the big day,” Mutwii said.

Kenya secured the hosting rights because it boasts of a huge number of the world’s successful cross country athletes, according to Mutwii.

“I want to thank AK’s Central Rift region for taking charge of all the preparations. They have worked round the clock to ensure that we host an international event,” he said.

There will be six athletes from Ethiopia, seven from Uganda and two from Djibouti, organisers reported. A number of cross country athletes from Europe and Asia will also be battling for honors.

Among events that athletes will compete in during the one-day World Cross Tour meeting, apart from the 10km senior men and women are; 8km under-20 men and 6km Under-20 women as well as Under-18 races such as 6km for boys and 4km for girls.