Kenya's cross country squad tipped to roar in World Cross

Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei has expressed confidence that Kenya's squad heading to the World Cross Country Championships on January 10 in Tallahassee, Florida, is primed to punch above its weight and reaffirm the country's grip on global distance running.

Tuwei spoke during the federation's visit to Team Kenya camp at St Mark's Teachers College, Kigari, on Wednesday where the athletes have been sharpening their blades ahead of the global showpiece.

The team will spend the festive season in camp rather than with their families, a sacrifice Tuwei says underlines their hunger and commitment to the cause.

"Thank you for deciding to remain in camp even during this Christmas period. We thought you would want to go home to be with your families during Christmas and New Year," Tuwei told the athletes.

"However, you have dedicated yourselves to training and that shows you are serious about this championship," he added.

Tuwei, who also serves as World Athletics vice president, reminded the athletes that Kenya will be competing with a target on its back as defending overall champions.

"We are the defending overall champions. This is a young team, and I am confident you will give your very best in Florida," he said.

"We wish you all the best of luck as you go out there to represent Kenya."

At the previous edition of the championships in Belgrade, Serbia, Kenya topped the medal table after hauling in an impressive 11 medals (six gold, two silver and three bronze).

Ethiopia finished second with 10 medals, while Uganda placed third with five.

AK chair of Youth Development Barnaba Korir echoed Tuwei's sentiments, noting that Kenya heads into the Florida championships carrying the weight of champions.

"Kenya will be going out to defend the title we won in Belgrade last year. I am confident this young group of athletes will deliver good results," said Korir.

In Belgrade, Kenya struck gold in the women's senior 10km through Beatrice Chebet, the men's U20 race via Samuel Kibathi, and the mixed relay.

Looking ahead to Tallahassee, Korir is bullish that Kenya can mount a serious challenge across all categories.

"In Belgrade we won the senior women's title but missed out on the men's senior crown," he said.

"Apart from Daniel Ebenyo and Ishmael Kirui, who recently transitioned to the senior ranks, the men's team is very young."

"I don't want to put too much pressure on them. We wish them the best, and I am sure they will do very well."

Korir further tipped the women's team and the mixed relay to successfully defend their titles.

"For the women's race, I believe we are well covered, and in the mixed relay we have Reynold Cheruiyot and Daniel Munguti, who bring valuable experience," he said.

With chilly conditions expected in the United States in January, Korir insisted that the federation has left nothing to chance in preparing the athletes.

"We are looking forward to the championship. I know it will be a little cold in the US at that time, but we have prepared the athletes for those conditions," he said.

"The morning and evening conditions here in Kigari are almost similar to what they will experience in the US."

AK Chief Administrative Officer Susan Kamau confirmed that all logistical arrangements for Team Kenya have been finalised.