Organisers of this year’s University of Eldoret cross country have anticipated a large turnout since it is the second meeting on the Athletics Kenya ahead of Africa cross country Championships.
Last year winners Philip Kibungei and Pascalia Jepkorir will lead top runners who will be using the event ahead of national cross country championships where A.K will select a formidable team to represent the country in the continental showpiece.
The event has been used to nurture budding athletes who have gone ahead to win international races, starting from former world half marathon record holder Florence Kiplagat who won in 2014 before heading to break the world record at Barcelona in 2015.
As it enters its 27th edition this Saturday at the university ground, meeting secretary Kibet Rono was optimistic that over 1,500 athletes will be taking part since it is the second meeting after Isaiah Kiplagat Memorial Ndalat Gaa Cross country last weekend in Nandi County.
Rono said the preparations are at an advanced stage, as the event has continued attracting more athletes owing to its improvement in the standards each edition.
“This is a training ground for the athletes and we are expecting more of them to participate in the event,” said Rono.
On Saturday, there will be senior men competing in 10km, senior women 8km, 8km junior men, 6km junior races.
At the same time there will be 10km and 8km for University students’ men and women while Kids will also take part in the 1km races for different age groups as elderly will feature in the 2 km category.
At the same time, athletes will be using the cross country meetings in the build up for Africa Cross Country and eyes fixed on the Athletics Kenya Jackpot series.