It was a bad day for some junior athletes who had come to collect their running numbers today ahead of tomorrow’s National Cross Country championships that will be staged at the Eldoret Sports club.
Over ten athletes were turned away from competing due to their age ahead of World Cross Country Championships that will be staged in the USA on January 10th.
Junior head coach Robert Ngisirei, who was validating the eligibility on who to compete, said that they turned away many athletes.
“Many athletes that were turned away, could have qualified to compete today but because of the World Cross country next year, they are ineligible to compete because of age,” said Ngisirei.
He added that during all national cross country meetings and regional championships, he informed coaches on who to qualify for the national championships where team kenya will be selected for global showpiece.
“We said that only athletes qualified to compete at the nationals must be born in 2007 but some, born in 2006 came for the championships, which is not good. At the moment they qualify to run but not next year at the world Championships,” explained Ngisiri.
However, they were handed a lifeline after resolving that they can compete in the 10km senior ranks.
“We gave them a chance to compete in the 10km because they have come with teams, so turning them away may have been a bad idea. We have given them a chance to showcase their talents at the senior level,” added Ngisirei.
Elsewhere, Daniel Simiu Ebenyo is expected to defend his national title for the second time to earn the Kenya’s selection for the January 10th event in Tallahassee, Florida.
The former world 10,000m silver medalist won the title on February 8th at the same venue and will be going for a three peat come tomorrow as he will be representing National Police Service.
He won the title in 30:48 to seize the title ahead of Nickson Kogei (30:53) and Simon Mungai (30:56).
but a new champion will be crowned in the asensce of Brillian Kipkoech Jepkorir, who reigned supreme, cutting the tape in 34:30 ahead of Maurine Chebor (34:33) and Stacey Ndiwa (34:55).
Also in the mix is half marathon specialist Alex Matata, who is chasing his maiden appearance in national colours.
Tokyo Legacy Half Marathon champion Rebecca Mwangi, New Delhi Half Marathon winner Lilian Kasait, Caren Chebet, Sandrafelis Chebet, and Gladys Kwamboka, all eager to secure a slot on the plane to Florida.
The boys’ U-20 8km race promises fireworks as World U-20 5,000m champion Andrew Alamisi faces off with Kelvin Kiprop and Emmanuel Lemiso.
In the 2km loop contests, World 800m champion Lilian Odira headlines the women’s race, while World 1,500m bronze medallist Reynold Cheruiyot will be the main attraction in the men’s showdown