Andrew Alamisi in action during the second Athletics Kenya Cross Country Series at Kapsokwony Bungoma County. photo Athletics Kenya
World U20, 5,000m champion Andrew Alamisi, is eyeing a second victory at Iten, during the third Athletics Kenya Cross Country series scheduled to take place on Saturday 2nd at the Iten Sports Grounds in Elgeyo Marakwet.
Alamisi won the second series at Kapsokwony in Bungoma County after stopping the timer at 23 minutes and 57 seconds, as Cornelius Kipkosgei settled for second place in 23:57, Edwin Elkana took the third available podium place in 24:09.
“Emerging victorious here in Iten will mean a lot to me because the field will be highly competitive and it will enable have a proper analysis of my body and know what I need to improve before my big race next month.” Said Alamisi after collecting his running number.
After a successful victory at home, Alamisi, has been working on his speed work and feels that this race, will be good to test his competitive spirit among the seniors ahead of his scheduled race in Rome mid next month.
–Mpoke transit from sprints to middle distance–
World Under 18 400m hurdles silver medallist, Moitalel Mpoke will be testing his endurance in the two-kilometer loop after transitioning from the one lap race to the 800m and 1,500m.
The 23-year-old athlete from Nairagie Enkare, Narok County, with a personal best of 48.70 in the 400m H, says that lack of a hurdles coach and a series of injuries motivated him to change his discipline.
“I will be competing in the 2km loop to work on my endurance and speed. So far, I am happy with how my body is responding to the training. I tested myself during the Betika Bingwa Fest , in Machakos County, among some top athletes as part of my training and it was not bad at all. I know Saturday will not be easy, there is a lot of talent within Iten but my main target is complete the race.” Said Mopoke.
Athletics Kenya Competitions Director, Kennedy Tanui says that they are expecting a huge number of athletes to turn up but they are prepared and have the capacity to handle the athletes.
Tanui urged the athletes to finalize collecting their bib numbers on Friday by 1800hrs because they risk being locked out of competition on Saturday.
