Reigning Laiden 10km champion Nicholas Kimeli and Africa under 20 5,000m silver medalist Jacob Krop have set their eyes on representing the country at the world Athletics championships and Commonwealth Games set for next year in Oregon, USA and Birmingham, Great Britain respectively.
The duo, who have been branded as twins in competitions due to their positions that follow each other at various championships said that they have set their energies to run for the country, both in 5,000m.
Kimeli, the regning Discovery Kenya Cross country champion said that as much as he has been competing in various cross countries, he will be taking a break on them and focus on track.
Speaking after winning the inaugural Moi Girls Kapsowar 10km Charity and Conservancy on Saturday in Elgeyo Marakwet County, Kimeli, who finished 4th at the Olympic Games in 5,000m promised to have a good show when that time comes.
“My focus will be to compete in weekend meetings in order to secure a chance to compete for my country at the Commonwealth and World Championships. However, when a chance comes to compete at the World Cross country Continental Tour, I will do my best,” said Kimeli, the two time Maria Soti cross country champion.
The Kip Keino Classic 5,000m champion won the title in 28:04 ahead of Krop (28:42) with Kennedy Kimutai closing the podium timing 28:43.
Krop, who missed competing at the Olympic Games said the race is part of his training for the cross country season.
Though he has been competing in many road races, he said that he can’t run past 10km because he is still young for road running.
“I have a dream of running for Kenya in many championships. Despite registering good results here, I am not ready to compete in 10km. I want to try my luck in cross country and with such races, it is good for training and endurance,” said Krop.