Battle for tickets: Kenya parade new talent for Africa Youth in Mauritius

Girls battle it out in 3000m during the National trials for Africa Youth Championship at Nyayo Stadium on March 31, 2015.PHOTO/DENNIS OKEYO

Kenya will today name novice runners fresh off the production line to showcase their talent at the second edition of the Africa Youth Championships, which will be held in Bambous City in Mauritius from April 23-26.

The competition, which is eligible to athletes born in 1998 and 1999 (16 and 17 years), sets the stage for the ninth IAAF World Youth Championships set for Gali, Columbia, on July 15th -19th.

Jackson Tuwei, the AK vice president in charge of youth affairs, said they will verify athletes ages before competition starts.

"We want to have a strong team for the Africa Youth Championships but we must be strict on age cheats," said Tuwei.

Yesterday, athletes competed in preliminary rounds and fireworks are expected today in the chase for tickets to Mauritius.

Kimaru Tarus of South Rift topped 1,500m qualifying heats in 3:48.0 ahead of North Rift's Edwin Kibet (3:48.8) and Brimin Kiprono (3:49.5) at the Nyayo National Stadium.

Kimaru said: "I am happy to have made it to the finals. I will strive to make the team."

Erick Kipyego (3:03:7), another star from the North Rift, finished fourth as Noah Kimutai (3:50.0) and Shadrack Ngumbua (3:51.3) booked a date in today's final.

Central's Richard Yator (8:03.8), Davis Kiplagat (8:04.4) and Victor Kibet (8:06.0) topped in 3,000m steeplechase battle. In the two-lap race, Sila Kimeli (1:50.8), Boaz Kiprugut (1:51.0) and Wisner Kiprotich (1:51.7) will square it out with Carlus Leshao (1:51.7), Dynamic Saitoti (1:51.9) and Dennis Tanui (1:52.0).

Patrick Mutie (49.7), David Kibabel (49.5) and Geoffrey Kipng'etich (48.2) will anchor the boys 400m show.

Viola Chelagat (2:19.04), Saida Cheptoo (2:16.06) and Josphine Chelagat (2:12.06) will lead the 800m race.