Athletics Kenya postpones weekend relay meeting at Kasarani

 

The second Athletics Kenya (AK) relay series initially set for Saturday at Moi International Sports Complex, Kasarani has been postponed.

The event has been moved to March 14 at the same venue.

AK Treasurer David Miano said they were forced to do so in order to allow enough time to prepare for the First Lady’s Half Marathon, which will be held on Sunday.

Miano said other dates of the Relays Series remain unchanged.

Earlier, Miano had warned athletes not to expect any prize money because the sponsor, Safaricom, has not released any funds.

Miano confirmed that there will be no prize money for the meetings. However, he said race officials will be paid. Last year’s relay meetings had the top three athletes paid.

“In this year’s series, we do not pay any prize money. There are no money prizes for these preliminary rounds,” said Miano.

The event, which brings together sprints and middle-distance athletes, comes barely a day ahead of the First Lady Half Marathon run, which starts at Nyayo National Stadium.

AK branch officials had wanted the AK national office to push back the event so as to allow ample time for the preparation for Sunday’s First lady Marathon.

Though most of the world-beating athletes did not turn up for the first meeting last month, AK is optimistic of bigger turnout and expect a good show.

The third leg of the relays will be held on March 21 and the trials on April 1-2, which sets the stage for the second IAAF World Relays set for Nassau, Bahamas on May 2-3.

Last year, the Kenyan team, which broke world records in 4x1500m men and women races, will be training their sights on a good show.

AK has invited participation from South Africa, Botswana and Nigeria to boost competition in the 4x100m and 4x400m races.

This will inspire locals to secure required qualifying standards for the Bahamas.

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