Kericho town will come to live on April 2 when over 200 athletes from the six sub-counties compete for top honors in both track and field events during the County games to be held at Kericho Green Stadium.
The event organised by Athletics Kenya (AK) will feature both seasoned and upcoming athletes from the county seeking to prove their worth and hone their skills in their different disciplines.
Some of athletes who will participate in the games have featured in global competitions.
In an interview with KNA during a training session at Kericho Green Stadium on Wednesday, AK Kericho County First Vice Chairman Gabriel Kiptanui expressed confidence that the athletes will post excellent results from various track and field disciples.
He said those who will be selected will form the tentative regional athletics team set to compete in the regional Games in Kericho.
“The athletes from the six sub-counties of Ainamoi, Londiani, Kipkelion, Soin/Sigowet, Bureti and Belgut are strong and dedicated in their running and I know after this, those selected will be competing in the regional games to be held in Kericho where six counties from South Rift will participate. The counties are Kajiado, Laikipia, Bomet, Kericho, Nakuru and Narok on a date to be confirmed by AK,”Kiptanui said.
“The seasoned and upcoming athletes are preparing well for the County Games and have shown commitment and discipline in their trainings. This was evident in their outstanding performances during the Regional cross-country race held in Njoro in January where ten athletes from Kericho participated and emerged winners and the National Cross country Championships held in Eldoret in March where Kericho athletes posted excellent results. I am positive they will continue winning,” Kiptanui said.
Africa Junior Women 2016 Cross country champion Miriam Cherop, 22, who competes both internationally and locally for Kenya said she was confident of winning in the county games as she trains for the World Athletics Championships and the Commonwealth Games slated for this year.
“I emerged position two in the 1,500m race during the first AK track and field meeting held at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi and I am optimistic I will win during the County Games. I really thank Coach Gabriel for my excellent performances both in local and international competitions,” said Cherop.
An upcoming athlete Kericho pole vaulter Kibet Koros said the county games will be a launching pad for greatness in his discipline and was confident of attaining his best jump of 4.26metres.
“I am being guided by the best Coach Gabriel Kiptanui and during the first AK track and field meeting held at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi I came in fourth despite an injury and I am confident of attaining my personal best jump, a mark of 4.26metres.” said Koros.
Kiptanui who doubles up as an athletics coach and trains more than 50 athletes and some in his stable include Silver medalist 2019 World U20 in Tampere Finland Kipngetich Ngeno, 2013 World under 18 1, 500m steeplechase gold medalist Robert Biwott, Mercy Cherono who broke World Youth record in Women’s 3000m in 2007 in Ostrava, Czech Republic and the reigning world 3,000 steeplechase champion Beatrice Chepkoech.
By Sarah Njagi
