A new champion is expected in women’s race during the third edition of Maria Soti Memorial cross country meeting set for this Saturday at Maria Soti Secondary School.
Last year’s winner Valary Aiyabei Jemeli will not be competing for the race as she is expected to compete at Sunday’s Nagoya Women’s marathon in Japan.
Local Organising Committee led by Elgeyo Marakwet Athletics Kenya chairman Pius Lai, said they are expecting top athletes to compete at the annual event, inside the forested field.
“This race has been growing day by day and we are expecting top athletes to come and compete. All things are set and we are waiting for the material day,” said Lai.
Last year, former Barcelona marathon champion Aiyabei and Africa cross country junior champion were the winners of 10km women and men races respectively.
The Beijing marathon winner Aiyabei clocked 34:29.1 to win the race ahead of Delvine Meringor (34:33.9) and Eva Cherono to third timing 34:51.1 while Kimeli, who was graduating into senior won the race 30:18.7 to win senior men’s 10km ahead of Nichodemus Kiptum (30:31.0) and Emmanuel Kiprono (30:33.7) to complete the podium.