National cross country champions Rodgers Kwemoi and Sheila Chelangat are out of the national cross country championships set for Saturday at the Lobo Village in Eldoret.
Kwemoi, the 2018 Commonwealth games 10,000m bronze medalist will miss to defend his title after picking an injury while Chelangat has other commitments that have locked her out of the race.
The race will be the recipe for Agnes Tirop World Cross Country Tour at the same venue.
Others who have withdrawn include world 10km record holder Rhonex Kipruto, who won the National Police cross country championships, Kenya Defence Forces champions Erick Kiptanui, world cross country champion Hellen Obiri.
Following the withdrawal of top athletes and defending champions, the title is up for grabs by any athlete.