Fresh from winning Tuskys 10ok Road race in Eldoret, former world cross country champion Agnes Jebet Tirop and reigning Africa cross country junior champion Nicholas Kimeli Kipkorir are set to defend their Ziwa Farmers 10km road race set for Saturday 30th.
With over 1,000 athletes expected at the starting line-up, Tirop, who last Sunday won the inaugural Tuskys 10km Great Run in Eldoret said she is well prepared for the event that will be held in Ziwa, along Eldoret-Cherangany road.
The 2019 world 10,000m bronze medalist said her preparations has hit the climax following good performance last Sunday.
“Running last Sunday was a precursor for Saturday event as I plan to defend my title. As a defending champion, it will not be easy because many athletes will be yearning for the title as the prize money is favourable for any athlete,” said Tirop.
Tirop will be chasing a hat trick after winning the title in 2017, defended in 2018 and come Saturday, she will be at the starting lineup. She won a brace in 31:30.90 ahead of Nandi based Dorcas Kipchirchir (31:30.55), the 2017 Standard Chartered marathon winner as well as former Barcelona marathon champion Valary Aiyabei Jemeli who completed the podium in 31:42.08 and former Commonwealth games 10,000m silver medalist Stacy Ndiwa in 4th position.
“Winning the title for the third time will be my greatest joy. I want to leave a mark in the race,” said Tirop who trains under Gianni Demadonna in Iten.
Fresh from representing the country at the world championships in Doha, Qatar Kimeli will be chasing a brace in the race that enters its 5th year running.
“I have been training for the same, trying to defend my title. Last Sunday I ran well but I failed along the way to win the Tuskys race but this time, am well prepared for Ziwa race,” said Kimeli who finished second at Tuskys 10km Great Run last Sunday behind world under 20 10,000m champion Rhonex Kipruto.
Last year, Kimeli clocked 28:20.4 for the title ahead of Titus Kipruto (28:23.4) and Albert Kangogo in 28:32.3.
Race organizer Lawrence Tanui said the race will attract over 1,000 athletes with winners set to pocket kshs 100,000 truckling down to 10th finisher.
“We are expecting over 1,000 athletes because the race is growing yearly. We want to make it a better race in the region and across the country,” said Tanui.