Road to Tokyo starts as over 500 athletes battle in National X-Country

“This is the precursor for what will happen so that when we go to the field, the athletes will be well prepared to qualify for the World Championships in Tokyo but before we go there, next month, we shall have World Indoor Championships in Nanjing, ahead of the May World Relays, then Africa Under 20 and Under 18 Championships in Algeria.”

Tuwei spoke after checking on the final touches of the course, adding that after the national cross country, AK Track and Field weekend meetings will kick off with its first leg set for February 15 at the Mumias Sports Complex.

“After this, we are going straight to track and field because we only have one cross country event, the Sirikwa Cross Country as part of our Road to Tokyo.

“I want to urge our athletes and coaches to prepare well to meet the qualifying standards and periods and by the time we do trials, we know that all were prepared and we have to give equal opportunities,” added Tuwei.

On the national cross country event, the president said that he was satisfied with the work done by technical officials.

“I went round to see everything and I am happy with preparations. Everything has been met by the team and requirements for the cross country,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Coast region became the first team to arrive in Eldoret for the championships.

With 12 regions, four affiliates and four new entries, the president said that all the teams are supposed to have arrived by Thursday to acclimatize, visit the route among others.

“We want to be clear on what to do when it comes to the event because this is a major competition. The teams that will be coming here must have been trained and ready to represent their races and the prize money has been raised, which is a good amount for us.  All will be putting their efforts as individual and team work,” he added.