Kenya Cross Country team safely arrived in Chlef this evening ready to take on their African opponents for top honours as the 5th edition of bi-annual CAA event rolls off this Saturday.
John Kimetto’s lead side landed and keen to surpass the eight gold of 14 medals haul won in Cameroon to perch on the roost. The Kenyan side would want to retained individual titles besides the overall team titles swept, grabbing 22 out 24 top spots that were in place.
The squad of 30 which is been training in Kigari, Embu flew out on Tuesday evening aboard Emirates Airlines flight EK722 to Dubai. They then connected the flight to Morocco before linking to Chlef.
The team, a mixed bag of young and experienced athletes, will be missing the big names that led the triumph at the Cameroonian showpiece. They include World Cross Country Champion Alice Aprot, 2015 World Youth gold winner Sheila Chepkirui, winner Junior 8km Isaac and senior men 10km event champion James Rungaru among others.
Nevertheless, Kenya has reloaded her cannon with women’s 6km champ Miriam Cherop returning to the showdown. She will be defending her gold medal, while Daisy Chepkemei will want to make amends for the 5th place finish in the last edition.
Kimetto is confident of a good show despite the fluctuating hot weather in North African Country. He said they had to change their training program to fit in to their expectations.
“We’re composed and hope of a good outcome. We know the unfriendly weather in that part, but hopeful it will stabilize at an average of 15°C” Kimetto summed.
#Team
Senior men’s 10km:
Alfred Barkach, Macharia Ndirangu, Emmanuel Bor, John Chepkwony, Joseph Bett, Julius Kogo.
Senior women 10km:
Sandra Chebet Stacy Ndiwa, Celphine Chepsol, Margaret Chelimo, Rosemary Njeri, Perin Nenkampi.
Junior Men 8km:
Ronex Kipruto, Stanley Waithaka, Ronex Kipruto, Peter Lagat, Edwin Bett, Edward Zakayo.
Junior Women 6km:
Miriam Cherop, Beatrice Chebet, Roselida Jepketer, Edna Jebitok, Agnes Jebet, Helen Ekalale.
