Shadrack Kiprotich will highlight the Athletics Kenya (AK) Western Region Cross Country meeting at the Hamisi sports ground in Vihiga County tomorrow.
Representing Vihiga County, Kiprotich will be seeking to shine in the 8km junior men’s race ahead of the National Cross Country Championships.
The federation will use the national event to select a team that will represent the country in the World Cross Country Championships planned for Belgrade, Serbia on March 30.
Kiprotich said he is determined to make the team this year after missing out on last year’s team to Bathurst, Australia.
“I finished a disappointing 49th position at the national cross country championships and failed to get a slot in Team Kenya. I also competed at the 2023 Sirikwa Cross Country and finished in 22nd position. I want to use this event as part of my journey to Belgrade,” said Kiprotich.
The 19-year-old, who is doing his last year as a junior, revealed that he is currently enjoying top form and will be keen to make the region team.
“After clearing my Kenya Secondary School Education examinations last year, I have quality time to train and earn a slot in Team Kenya to the World Cross Country Championships,” said the Chebitwei High School alumnus.
He will be facing off with top six athletes drawn from the Vihiga, Bungoma, Kakamega and Busia Counties that form the larger Western Region.
“For now, I cannot say who will be my greatest competitor but my training and preparations will earn me something at the end of the day come Saturday morning,” he said.
The region’s Secretary General Homer Mugalitsi said that they are well prepared to receive the large contingent of cross country runners drawn from the four counties.
He said that they have already identified the course and what is remaining is the athletes to come for the competition.
“We are anticipating a high voltage of competition now that all the counties did their selection two weeks ago. We will be using the course that hosted the Vihiga County cross country championships,” said Mugalitsi.
He added that they picked six athletes from each category (10km senior men and women, 6km junior women and 8km junior men) for the region.
“Apart from the 10km, 6km and 8km, the counties also selected some athletes who will be representing them in the mixed relay that will add flavour into the championships,” added Mugalitsi.