Mark Otieno, Omanyala set for relay showdown

Mark Otieno leading in 150M race during AK first relay series at Nyayo National stadium on Saturday, Jan 9, 2020. [Jonah nyango, Standard]

Mark Otieno and Ferdinand Omanyala have promised a mouth-watering showdown as the third leg of the Athletics Kenya relay series take centre stage tomorrow at Nyayo Stadium.

The meet will culminate in national trials on March 26 and 27, where a team will be picked to represent Kenya at the fifth edition of World Relays slated for Silesia, Poland, in May.

At the second meeting of the series, Omanyala produced a stunning dash of 10.11seconds but given the wind assistance of +3.4m/s (the rule allows up to +2.0m/s) the mark was not certified as a national record.

Omanyala, the Bachelor of Science student has set his sights on completing the race in less than 10 seconds.

“I believe I can still run faster and be able to make the team to the world relays.  

On the other hand, the current national record holder Otieno promises a good race when the pair meet in the finals.

“Ferdinand is fast but I can promise if we meet in the finals, we will be able to run good times that will help us perform well at the international level,” said Otieno, who set the 100m national record of 10.14 seconds in 2017.

Other stars expected to compete include world Under-18 400m silver medalist Mary Moraa, Josphine Chelangat and Emily Cherotich in the 800m event.

World 800m bronze medallist Ferguson Rotich, Haron Koech, Geoffrey Kapello among others are also expected to race. 

By Stephen Rutto 24 mins ago
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