Timothy and Chespol set for Prisons track meet

Timothy Cheruiyot lead his colleagues during training at Nyayo national stadium. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

World 1,500m champion Timothy Cheruiyot, World Under-20 steeplechase record holder Celliphine Chespol are among top athletes who will race at the Kenya Prisons Service Track and Field meeting set for tomorrow and Saturday at Kasarani Stadium. 

Prisons will use the two-day meeting to select a strong team capable of reclaiming the national crown at the Athletics Kenya National Championships next month. 

Apart from Track and Field, Prisons will also host departmental volleyball and darts championships at the Prisons Staff Training College in Ruiru starting today.

Cheruiyot will drop from 1,500m to 800m as he works on his speed endurance ahead of the track season that starts next month. 

“It feels great to always come and compete at Prisons meet. I will be representing Rift Valley Region. All this will form part of my preparation towards the busy season. My first assignment will be to run at the Kip Keino Classic next month then head to Doha Diamond League.

“But my ultimate goal of the season will be to defend my world title at the World Championships in Oregon,” said Cheruiyot who was last year promoted to the rank of Senior Superintendent of Prisons following a directive by President Uhuru Kenyatta. 

Chespol’s immediate target is to perform well at national trials and secure a ticket to Oregon having missed most of last season after she was involved in an accident while training at Ngong.

Just like Cheruiyot, part of Chespol’s calendar of activities includes the Kip Keino Classic and the Diamond League.

Chespol will compete alongside Abigael Chelangat, Jackline Wambui, Fancy Cherono among others. 

“My speed has improved compared to last year when I was struggling a bit. I guess I came back a bit early and this affected my performance. However, I can only tell whether I am improving once I compete,” Chespol said.

Other notable names slated for the championship includes Vincent Keter in 1500m, marathoner Ruth Chepngetich who will be looking for honours in women’s 10,000m alongside the experienced duo of Alice Aprot, Brilliant Chepkorir and Jane Mwikali.