National sprints coach Stephen Mwaniki believes the track and field season gives sprinters a platform to test their speed and form ahead of a packed 2025 calendar.
The season officially kicks off today with the Mumias Showdown at the Mumias Sports Complex, featuring 11 events including —100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 3000m steeplechase, 5000m, long jump, triple jump, shot put and javelin.
Mwaniki emphasised that this would be the first test for sprinters after training for months without competing.
He noted that the track and field season will allow them to assess their form and sharpen their race fitness.
“Many sprinters have been training without competing unlike their mid and long-distance counterparts who have been involved in the cross-country series. The start of the track and field season gives them a perfect chance to assess their form,” Mwaniki noted.
Mwaniki highlighted the significance of this season as a build-up to an action-packed 2025, which will feature major global events.
“The 2025 global track and field season kicks off with the World Indoors followed by the World Relays before the ultimate showdown at the World Championships,” he stated.
The calendar begins with the World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, China (March 21-23), followed by the World Relays in Guangzhou, China (May 10-11) before culminating in the World Championships in Tokyo, Japan (September 13-25).
He revealed that Athletics Kenya has already identified probable contenders for the World Indoors, but their selection will depend on their performances in the track and field meetings.
“We have probables but they must prove their form and fitness through these competitions,” he added.
Mwaniki expects a highly competitive season, with many sprinters eager to make their mark after months of rigorous training.
“Expect tight competition. These are fresh athletes who have been training hard and are ready to unleash their speed. Those who competed in the cross country season may return in the second or third meeting after a well-deserved rest,” he observed.
The tactician expressed gratitude for Betika’s sponsorship, which has boosted prize money from the cross-country season to the track and field circuit