Edna Jebitok set to headline Nairobi race

AK Nairobi Branch chairman Barnaba Korir (left) and AK president AK Jackson Tuwei in a recent media briefing at Riadha House. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Athletics Kenya (AK) Nairobi Branch will hold its regional Cross Country Championships at Nairobi West Prisons Grounds today.

Fresh from a series of competitions in Europe, former World U-20 women’s champion Edna Jebitok is set to headline what is expected to be a thrilling event.

But it will not be a walk in the park for the former World-U18 silver medallist as she will face tough opposition from Nairobi area athletes based in Ngong and Eldoret where they train.

“Only top two finishers in each category will clinch tickets to the national championships, set for Lobo Village in Eldoret on January 22, 2022,” AK Nairobi Branch chairman Barnaba Korir told Standard Sports.

“Four categories will be contested at the event and they include the men and women’s  U20 and the men and women’s 10km contests in the senior categories.”

The National Olympic Committee-Kenya Executive Member believes Nairobi will produce a strong squad that will give other major institutions, including the Kenya Prisons, Kenya Defence Forces and the Kenya Police Services, a run for their money at the national finals.

“I believe we will have a very competent team in the men and women’s U-20 slots.

“Nairobi has always produced some of the best athletes to represent this country internationally and they continue to do so well in major championships across the world,” said Korir who also doubles up as Athletics Kenya Youth Director.

The nationals will act as a dry run for the prestigious World Athletics Gold Tour, dubbed the Agnes Tirop World Cross Country Gold Tour, in honour of the slain athlete.

The Gold Tour will be held at the Lobo Village next month.