Jerotich and Kipkosgei lead Kenya's legion at world cross race

World U-20 Championship aces Joyline Jerotich and Phanuel Kipkosgei will spearhead the Kenyan team at the 2024 World School Cross Country Championships at the Ngong Race course in Nairobi, on Sunday.

The duo has already inspired the contingent of 61 runners, who will do national duty in the global athletics extravaganza.

The unique race will feature three categories; the U-12, U-15 and U-18 for both boys and girls.

Teammates who have been motivated by the duo include Calvin Muthii and Perminus Tinega. Both will compete in boys’ U-18 category.

“I have trained well and I’m. I can smell a gold medal coming,” Tinega said.

The Kisii-based athlete has always dreamt of being a world beater, and he now believes that this is the time.

“Hopefully, I’ll be a champion at the world event.”

“I want to tell my peers back home in Kisii to continue training hard. Let them prepare to seize opportunities like this,” he added.

Just like Tinega, Muthii too, is inspired ahead of the forthcoming contest.

He promised Kenyans a medal based on his current fitness.

“I’m confident of a top-three finish in the race. I urge Kenyans to come out in large numbers and support us.”

While giving updates about the championship in Nairobi yesterday, the Local Organising Committee Chief Executive Officer Barnaba Korir said;

“Going by the organisation that has been put in place, I’m confident this event is going to be memorable, not only to the participating athletes, but also to the over 460 delegates who are expected at the event.”

Kenya’s head of delegation Nelson Sifuna assured the country of a resounding victory, saying he is leading a brave and organised outfit that is out to display their prowess on the course.

On his part, Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association chairman Kipchumba Maiyo said he is proud with the line-up presented by Kenya for the event, adding that it’s a strong squad that has athletes drawn from various parts of the country.

“There was no short cut in the selections. We followed the right channel in coming up with the final squad. This contigent will show the rest of the world what kind of talent Kenya has,” said Maiyo.

The International School Sports Federation (ISF) event Director Uros Savic said the championship is more than just sports as it will act as an educational trip to the participating students. Already, 419 participants (from the expected 460 delegates) from 21 countries have confirmed participation.

Athletes from Chile arrived yesterday morning. Other nations that were expected to arrive include Ireland, Luxembourg, New Zealand, Italy and England. Last arrivals are expected on Friday.