Fireworks expected at tomorrow’s Prisons cross country in Ruiru

National 800m champion Lilian Odira and 2021 World Under-20 1500m champion Vincent Keter will lead a star-studded lineup at the Kenya Prisons Cross Country Championships this Saturday at the Prisons Staff Training College, Ruiru.

The women’s race promises a thrilling battle, featuring defending champion Lilian Kasait, marathon world record holder Ruth Chepng’etich, 2024 Brasov 10K winner Loice Chemnung and World U18 2000m steeplechase champion Caren Chebet.

Kasait will be seeking to defend her title after a dominant 2024 performance, where she clocked 34:50 to clinch her maiden Prisons Cross Country crown.

Chemung ( 35:44 ) and Chebet ( 36:56 ) rounded off the podium last year and will return to challenge for the top prize.

Odira, a consistent performer in the Athletics Kenya (AK) Cross Country series, views the race as a critical part of her preparation for a demanding season ahead.

“I will be taking part in the 10K primarily for endurance and strength. At the nationals, I will compete in the 2K, so this race is part of my build-up strategy,” she explained.

Despite acknowledging the stiff competition from an elite field, Odira remains optimistic about improving her performance.

“Last year, I finished ninth. This time, my focus is to improve my time rather than chase a specific position. I know the competition will be stiff. I am an 800m runner so don’t expect me to compete with the likes of Kasait, Chemnung and Chepng’etich who are well-versed with cross country. However, I will certainly do my best,” she noted.

Odira revealed that her ultimate goal is to peak for the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China, this March.

“The cross-country season is part of my broader preparation. With the training I’ve done, I’m confident of top results indoors,” she added.

On the men’s side, the lineup boasts 2020 Olympic 1500m silver medallist Timothy Cheruiyot, 2022 Berlin Marathon runner-up Mark Korir and 2011 World 1500m silver medallist Silas Kiplagat.

Keter, much like Odira, is using the cross-country race as part of his buildup for the track season.

“The 10K won’t be a challenge; it’s a stepping stone for my track ambitions this year,” Keter said.

Kenya Prisons head coach Gideon Chirchir promised fireworks, particularly in the women’s race, given the calibre of athletes competing.

“We are more than ready for the Saturday race. The elite lineup, especially in the women’s event, guarantees an exciting show,” Chirchir stated.