The Kenya Forests Service (KFS) cross-country athletics team held its first-ever trials for the upcoming championships on February 8, 2025.

The vent featured 150 Kenya Forest officers who battled it out for the top runners’ position for the cross-country championships in Ruiru, Kiambu County.

Launching the event at the Karura Forest Sports Ground in Nairobi, Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF) Alex Lemarkoko took note of the officers who had been training alongside handling their service duties.

“CCF lauded the athletes who he noted have been training while doing their normal duties of protecting & managing forests. He assured them of his support to ensure they exploit their talents to the highest level while flying the KFS flag,” a statement from KFS read in part.

“The trials which are part of Athletic Kenya’s (AK) cross championships will select the best athletes in 10km and 2km men and women from among over 150 runners from across the country who will proceed to the national championships to be held in Eldoret on 8th February.”

Best training ground

Lemarkoko said that forests provide the best training grounds for athletes and therefore KFS athletes had the best opportunity of excelling in the sport.

Equally, the forest boss promised to facilitate the formation of an athletics team from among talented staff who will dedicate most of their time to training and representing the Service and the country in local and international competitions.

Present during the event was the representative of the Athletic Kenya President Laurence Mburu and other officials. Also present were the Principal Senior Deputy Chief Conservator of Forests Charity Munyasia, the Deputy Commandant Wilson Leboo and the Team Manager Chief Inspector Mathew Chirchir among other KFS officers.

Regional cross-country championships

The regional cross-country championships are ongoing with several areas getting ready to front their top runners to contest in the National Cross-Country championship in Ruiru.

On Friday, January 24, 2025, at the Nairobi West Prison Grounds, Silas Senchura emerged top after clocking 24:27:8 in the men’s 8-kilometre cross-country race.

He was followed by John Mapei at 25:36:2, while Charles Mbugua emerged third after recording a time of 25:39:6 in the Nairobi region cross-country championships.

“My cross-country season has been good. I feel my body is responding well. My endurance is strong, but I need to improve my speed, especially my final kick,” Senchura said after the race.