Athletes who will be competing at this year’s Sirikwa Cross Country championships will face a few changes on the course unlike last year.
During the pre-visit at the venue on Wednesday January 22nd ahead of the planned race on February 22nd race, race director Kennedy Tanui said that the course is nearly ready.
“We have confirmed foreign and international athletes that will compete here come next month. With the few directions we had last year, there are a few areas that needs to be altered but we shall have a friendly course, the obstacles will be maintained with a few changes to conform with World Athletics standards,” said Tanui.
He added that they shall facilitate spacious call room, athletes are among other changes.
“The event is international and can accommodate over 100,000 spectators. Lets come and enjoy Lobo village with fun,” he said.
Race CEO Barnaba Korir said that with a month to the event, the officials will make sure that all is in place for the important event for the gold label series.
“We had many foreign athletes and Kenya’s top runners are expected compete. We want to have a very big race that will also have the kids, seniors and the relays. Last year, it was big with many spectators and we are looking ahead for another big event and it is important for the Athletics Kenya for hosting the big events like Chepsaita and Sirikwa cross country as well as KipKeino Classic that enters the 5th year and we hope that the World Athletics can give us Diamond League and probably the World Athletics Championships,” said Korir.
He added that the federation has earned a good name that they want to ensure that athletics is up and running to encourage economic growth of talents.
He also condemned the age cheating that has rocked the country.