Kenya’s quest for global athletics dominance kicks off today as the country’s top runners converge in Eldoret for the Athletics Kenya (AK) National Cross Country Championships.

Set to serve as the first major test ahead of the World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, the event will provide a platform for emerging talent to prove their mettle on the road to international glory.

AK president Jack Tuwei, while speaking in Eloret ahead of the meet, confirmed that the event will serve as an early test for athletes eyeing international competitions.

“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. 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 stated after inspecting the course on Thursday.

The national Cross Country showdown will be followed by the AK track and field season, which kicks off with the first leg of the weekend meetings at the Mumias Sports Complex on February 15.

Tuwei emphasised the importance of early preparations, urging athletes and coaches to meet qualification standards ahead of national trials.

“We only have one major cross country event, the Sirikwa Cross Country, as part of our Road to Tokyo preparations. 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,” he added.

The final preparations for the Cross Country Championships are in place, with Tuwei expressing satisfaction over the work done by technical officials.

Meanwhile, Coast region became the first team to arrive in Eldoret, ahead of 12 regional teams, four affiliate teams, and four new entries expected to acclimatise before competition day.

According to Tuwei, all teams were suposed have been in Eldoret by Thursday so that they can familiarise themselves with the course.

“This is a major competition, and with an increased prize purse, athletes will be giving their all, both as individuals and teams,” Tuwei noted.