Rising stars eye glory at national cross country at Eldoret club

On Saturday morning, the stars will converge for what is shaping up to be an exhilarating national cross country championships, in Eldoret.

The stellar fields earned their slots for the national race after finishing in the top six at hotly contested regional and Athletics Kenya (AK) events in January.

Yesterday, several athletics stars, who have already fired warning shots at regional cross country championships, were getting ready for the competition to be staged at the Eldoret Sports Club.

Eldoret is hosting the event for the second time since 2019.

Fast-rising stars among them John Lomoni are aiming at establishing new order when the national contest returns to Eldoret on Saturday.

Iten-based Lomoni has been making waves since last year when he stormed to a 10km victory at 2024 Iten International Marathon in November before winning another 10km in a race in Eldoret earlier in December. Lomoni booked his place in the Saturday race after finishing second at the North Rift regional event.

On Saturday, he hopes to make history at the national stage as he competes in the 10km senior race.

“It is my first time participating in the national cross country championships, but I’m not new in Eldoret. I took part in the national school games at Moi Girls High School in 2023 and recently won the TechRun 10km,” Lomoni, who will be representing the North Rift region, said.

He said he is aware of the strong competition that awaits him, but he is training well for it.

“There will definitely be a strong competition, but I promise to do my best. It is my prayer that I emerge in the top six,” said Lomoni.

From the Central Rift, Festus Kimorwa is preparing for another grand return to Eldoret.

Just barely two weeks ago, Kimorwa, who trains under Barnaba Kitilit in Sinonin, Baringo County, savoured a sweet victory at the 34th Discovery Cross Country.

Kimorwa will be representing Central Rift region in the men’s Under-20 contest.

“I have trained well and ready to compete in Eldoret again. I was there recently and the course was good,” said Kimorwa yesterday.

Asbel Kiprop Kiprono, will be among Nairobi region’s representatives in men’s 10km race.

Meanwhile, organisers said they were ready to stage a thrilling event at the Eldoret Sports Club.

Competition director Kennedy Tanui said the World Athletics bronze level cross country championship will attract the country’s stars.