Nairobi region to prioritise unattached athletes from around the city

Nairobi region will prioritise unattached athletes from around the capital during Friday’s cross country championships at Nairobi West Prisons, chairman Barnaba Korir has said.

This will be a shift from previous editions where the region used to admit athletes who had failed to qualify for the national championships through their respective institutional and regional affiliates.

Korir said this will provide a platform for independent athletes from Nairobi to shine and have a crack at the February 8 national championships at the Eldoret Sports Club.

“We encourage athletes from Nairobi who are not affiliated with any institution to turn up in large numbers on Friday,” Korir stated.

“The institutions and the other regions have held their championships and unsuccessful athletes will not be a priority during our event,” he added.

The Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) launched the cross country series on January 10, followed by the National Police Service and Kenya Prisons Championships last weekend.

Korir hopes Nairobi will attract the numerous runners who train in Ngong’ while junior athletes from their traditional catchments, Londiani, Iten, Nandi and Mt Elgon are expected to storm Nairobi West.

“We welcome the young athletes from schools, especially Nairobi schools. We (Nairobi region) have always done well, especially with the juniors...always in the top three — even on track,” Korir said.

“We want to be in the top five nationally, especially with the youth (Under 20 ).”

Meanwhile, Korir said athletes selected will be facilitated to train at their respective training bases, observing that there will be ample time to fine-tune their skills ahead of the nationals.

“Athletes who make the team and might need help will be supported while at their usual training camps,” he said.

“Putting them in a separate camp could be difficult in terms of resources.”

Stephen Lemayan won the men’s race during last year’s edition, clocking 29:19.3 to beat Aron Kipkoech ( 30:02.6 ) and Brian Kiptoo ( 30:10.3 ) to the title.

Evangeline Makena won the women’s senior race in 35:21.3 followed by Lydia Nyangisera ( 35:35.4 ) and Catherine Njihia ( 35:49.7 ).

Caroline Wanjiku clocked 19:37.7 to win the 6km race category followed by Jane Wangare ( 20:41.3 ) and Ruth Mwihaki ( 20:49.15 ).

Paul Sunte won the junior men’s race in 24:06.3 ahead of Franklin Saitoti ( 24:13.8 ) and Chris Wanyoike ( 24:20.9 ).

The championships will feature 10km for men and women, 8km for junior men, 6km for junior women and the mixed relays.