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Tokyo 2020 Olympics semi-finalist Mary Moraa is among the over 300 athletes set to compete during the opening leg of Athletics Kenya (AK) Track and Field championships set for Nyayo National Stadium today.

Moraa, who has since transitioned to the 800m race from her traditional one lap race, will be hoping to reign supreme during the two day first meeting with her focus being the World Championship slatted for July 14 to 24 in Oregon, United States.

The Olympian, who showed her prowess when she beat the 2019 World Athletics Champion Halima Nakaayi from Uganda at the second edition of the Kip Keino Classic that was held at the Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani last September says she wants to qualify for the World event and challenge for silverware.

“I have been gaining experience over 800m which is a good thing. I feel that I have what it takes to go for medals, I just need to trust in myself and go an extra mile,” said the  2017 World Under-18 400m silver medallist hit the standards.

Top athletes expected

The two-day event is the first of the four weekend meetings lined up and which will culminate in the national championships slated for May.

AK senior vice president Paul Mutwii says preparations for the event are complete with top athletes expected to kick start their track season at the Nyayo Stadium.

“It is in the public domain that this will be a busy season that will see our athletes compete in Africa Championships, World Championships and also the Commonwealth Games. We have to do everything possible to give our athletes opportunities to test themselves by competing,” said Mutwii.

After the Nairobi meeting, athletes will head to Kisumu for the second series slated for Kisumu on February 19. 

The third series will be held in Embu on March 5 with the fourth and final leg set for Kakamega on March 19th. Counties will then hold their respective championships early April with regions set to stage their championships by April 16 which will thereafter set the stage for the national championships that has been earmarked for April 28-30.

Mutwii says the  track and field competition provides adequate build up for athletes ahead of the rigorous season that will culminate in a series of major championships this year.

Also up for the athletes is the Kipkeino Classic Gold Tour slated for May 7 and the Diamond League circuit that also kicks off a day before in Doha, Qatar.