Relays national trials set for Iten

2016 Rio Olympics - Athletics - Semifinal - Men's 800m Semifinals - Olympic Stadium - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - 13/08/2016. Alfred Kipketer of Kenya. [Reuters]

After three series held in Nairobi, Athletics Kenya will select the national relay team at Lornah Kiplagat tartan track near Iten on Saturday.

The team will fly the national flag at the IAAF World Relay Championships set for Yokohama, Japan, on May 11-12.

AK decided to make the one-day trials an invitational event after experiencing high turn out in the first two legs. The third leg held at Nyayo Stadium last Saturday was invitational.

Alfred Kipketer, the former world junior 800m champion, was among top athletes that competed in the third leg. Kipketer, who has been out of action due to injuries, is best remembered for beating two-time Olympic 800m champion David Rudisha during the Rio Olympic trials inside Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret.

Others included 2016 IAAF Diamond League 800m Trophy winner Ferguson Rotich, former national 200m champion Millicent Ndoro, Joan Cherono, world under-18 400m silver medalist Mary Moraa and Mark Otieno.

“I have had bad seasons. I had sustained injuries that saw me miss out in competitions for three seasons. I have managed to train well so far and I expect to make the team,” said Kipketer.

Rotich has set sights on the IAAF World Relays in Yokohama: “I have tested my body response in the build-up series. I am okay with my performance. I look forward to the trials.”

The two-day global event brings together more than 500 athletes globally to compete in several relay disciplines.

Kenya will field teams for 4x100m and 4x400m as they seek qualification for IAAF World Athletics Championships in Doha later in the year.