Stars battle for team spots to World Cross: AK to name squad to next month’s IAAF World Cross Country gala

Laikipia Air Base's Hellen Obiri stride to the finish line in the 10km Senior Women race during the 37th edition of the Kenya Defence Forces Cross Country Championship at Moi Air base on Jan 12, 2018. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

Two-time World Cross Country champion Geoffrey Kamworor and world 5,000m champion Hellen Obiri are expected to face one of their sternest tests in recent times as they compete for slots to the World Cross next month in Aarhus, Denmark.

The two world stars will be battling against budding youngsters and other battle-hardened runners at the Eldoret Sports Club this afternoon during the national cross-country championships, something that many have dubbed the mini World Cross Country meet.

For Kamworor, who will be eyeing a third title at the world stage, youngsters Rhonex Kipruto, the World Under-20 10,000m champion, and Edward Zakayo, the World Under-20 5,000m champion, Edward Zakayo will be his main threat at home as he tries to dominate like he has done on the world stage.

“I have prepared well and I hope to make the team. I am targeting a third win at the World Cross Country Championships,” Kamworor said.

However, for Kamworor, his main challenge will not only come from the two youngsters, but also the World Cross Country silver medalist as well as his National Police Service teammate Leonard Barsoton and Emmanuel Bett.

Road racers Vedic Cheruiyot, Frankline Ng'elel, Stephen Arita and Lawi Komen of the Kenya Defence Forces will also bid to reclaim their lost cross-country stature, while 2011 world 1,500m champion Silas Kiplagat, former Africa 10,000m silver medalist Wilfred Kimitei, Cornelius Kangogo and Emmanuel Ng'atuny will be carrying the Kenya Prisons flag.

In the senior women race, Obiri would have been smiling at the absence of Irene Chebet Cheptai, the reigning world cross-country champion, but the Kenya Defence Forces runner will have to face Hyvin Kiyeng, a former world 3,000m steeplechase champion and the world record holder over the distance Beatrice Chepkoech, both of Police.

The rich women field will also include Commonwealth Games 10,000m silver medalist Stacy Ndiwa, Margaret Chelimo and Pascalia Chepkorir.

Others to watch are Perin Nengapi and Deborah Samumu.

In the junior race, Lydia Jeruto, Roselida Jepkorir and Janeth Jepkoech will battle for places in the women's race, while Maibei Kiplimo, Victor Chepkwony and Gideon Rono are the stars to watch in the women's race.

Geoffrey Kamworor during The National Police Service Cross Country Championship at Ngong Race Course onSaturday Jan 26, 2019. [Jonah Onyango, Standard]

David Leting, the championship's technical director, said more than 25,000 fans are expected at the venue.

“This is the home of most of the runners and tough competition is expected. Young and experienced athletes will battle it out here. Expect major upsets," he said.

Organisers have erected obstacles and created sharp bends on the lush green and well-manicured course to make it tougher and allow those who will qualify for the World Cross Country Championships scheduled on March 30 to adapt to the challenging course.