Chepng'etich, Cheruiyot headline second AK Cross Country leg

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

World stars will on Saturday be on parade for the second leg of the Athletics Kenya (AK) Cross Country meeting in Sotik, Bomet County.

Rio Olympics and IAAF World 1,500m champion Faith Chepngetich, World silver medallist Timothy Cheruiyot and former steeplechase specialist Kipsiele Koech are some of the big names expected at the event.

Chepngetich, 23, who finished the season in sterling fashion by winning the world title and Diamond League trophy, will be the star attraction as she underlines the start-list in the women’s senior 10km race that she won in 2015.

Most of the participants will be from neighbouring regions including Kericho, Keringet, Bomet, Kuresoi, Nakuru and AK affiliates Kenya Defence Forces and Kenya Police Service.

Unlike previous editions, where the series was held at Kabianga University, Bomet Region AK chairman John Kimetto said this year's races would be in Sotik town, next to the Cereal Board of Kenya.

“Preparations are at an advanced stage. We have already measured the course to the required 2km circuit. Just as it has been with past editions, big names from neighbouring regions will take part on Saturday,” said Kimetto.

“The athletes include Faith (Chepngetich), Mercy Cherono, Kipsiele Koech and Timothy Charuiyot. We hope to have a successful event."

Africa Junior Cross Country champion Miriam Cherop will take part in the 6km junior category. Cherop also won the junior women's race in the Ndalat Gaa Cross Country meeting in October.

The Form Two student of Isaik Secondary School clocked 21:23.7 and is hoping to repeat the same feat in Sotik.

Last weekend’s Nairobi meeting junior champion Kiprono Sitonik will go head-to-head with 2017 IAAF World 2,000m steeplechase champion Leonard Bett.

Bett also won the junior men’s race at Ndalat Gaa.

Meanwhile, the Kremlin said it hoped Russia could mend its relations with the International Olympic Committee, adding that the country's absence from the Pyeongchang Winter Games would be a blow to the games.

Calls from some athletes for a blanket ban have been growing louder.