Returning Cheptai sets sight on World Championships

The 2017 World Cross Country champion Irene Cheptai is firmly focused on making it to this year’s World Championships even as she embarks from maternity break.

After delivering her first-born child, Cheptai said she has resumed training with her main target being to make the cut in Kenya’s team for the global championships in her preferred 10,000m race.

The 27-year-old finished third in 10000m at the third and final Athletics Kenya Track and Field meet recently held at the Narok Stadium after clocking 33:41.3.

“I have just resumed my training and my main target is to try and seek a slot in team Kenya for World Championships. I know it won’t be easy because I have not even worked on my speedwork but I hope to return back to my top form before the trials,” said Cheptai.

Cheptai finished seventh in 5000m at the 2015 World Championships held in Beijing, China before retaining the same position at the 2017 Championships held in London albeit in 10,000m.

The athlete who hails from West Pokot County but trains in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County has had more success in Cross -Country as compared to track having won the 2017 National Cross-Country Championships en route to clinching the World title in Kampala, Uganda.

She would however miss out to retain her title at this year’s World Cross Country Championships held in Aarhus, Denmark, and even as she resumes training, Cheptai says she will be looking to bounce back next season when the Cross-Country Championships kicks off.

“If all goes well then I will be returning back to Cross Country next season I want to tell my fans that I am back and they should now expect to see me more,” added Cheptai.

This year’s World Championships will be held between September 28 and October 6 in Doha, Qatar.