Stakes high as AK/KCB cross country heads for Kapsokwony

By JOSEPH NGURE

8KM SENIOR WOMEN WINNER-OKENDO

Preparations for the second Kenya Commercial Bank Athletics Kenya (AK) cross-country competition are in top gear in Kapsokwony with both local and foreign athletes warming up for the event.

The meet, to be hosted by Western Athletics Kenya, is the second in a series of six cross-country races spread across six AK affiliates.

“We are putting all things in place to ensure fair competitions before Friday. We are also asking elite athletes to confirm their participation as way of encouraging the young ones,” said Francis Afundi, the Western AK Regional Chairman.

Kapsokwony in Mt Elgon is a preferred stop for many athletes from Eldoret and Iten, as it offers them the undulating terrain synonymous with cross-country running.

Foreign athletes currently  training in Kenya are warming up for the event including those from Uganda, who have been giving Kenyans a run for their money.

Early this year, Soyeikwo Kibet caused a major upset when he defeated local runners on their own soil during the sixth leg in Eldoret on January 5.

“We are expecting a good number of international athletes. I have talked to some Ethiopians I met in Kabarnet during the Baringo Half-Marathon earlier this month,” said Afundi, adding that he was liaising with training camps in Eldoret where many foreign runners are camping.

The Kapsokwony race will  be the second meet after Athletics Kenya staged the opener in Nairobi on November 2.

Silas Kimutai and Mary Wacera (pictured) are the first to enter the race for the cross-country jackpot after winning the senior titles in Nairobi, while James Mwangi and Agnes Chebet won the two junior titles.

The list for the contestants will grow longer with each race as athletes aim at amassing points in at least four races to qualify for the prize in each category. —[email protected]