Former Africa cross country bronze medalist Beatrice Mutai will be seeking to defend her Mount Elgon cross country title that gets down at Kapsokwony High School on Saturday in the third leg of Athletics Kenya cross country meeting in Bungoma County.
According to race organisers led by Western Region Athletics Kenya secretary Homer Mugalitsi, Mutai will be joined by other top athletes in the championships.
Mugalitsi was optimistic that the turnout would be more than other years because they have had fewer races in the region compared to others years.
“We are hoping to get good turn up because we have finalised our preparations. We had a technical team meeting and some athletes have beencalling to compete in the championships,” said Mugalitsi.
Following the suspension of some top western officials led by Chairman Francis Afundi, Mugalitsi has taken the baton to ensure the event is a success.
“We have few officials who will oversee the event but trust me it will be one of the most successful one in all meetings across the country,” added Mugalitsi.
The meeting comes after the floored Machakos and Ol Kalou championships.
“As many athletes failed to compete in the three championships, we are ready to prove how good we are in cross country organization.
The meeting is part of the grass-root preparations ahead of world cross country championships in Denmark next year.
After finishing second in Olkalau, the second leg of the cross country meeting behind5,000m world champion Hellen Obiri, Mutai will be eyeing a slot in the Kenyan team in the World Cross Country Championships slated for next year in Aarhus,Denmark.
Amongtop contenders include 2016 Africa 10,000m champion Alice Aprot, Margaret Chelimo, Eva Cherono in women’s 10km senior category.