Prominent and upcoming athletes are set to lock horns during the South Rift Regional championships slated for April 16 in Kericho County.

The track and field events which will be used to pick a team to represent the region in the national championships will be staged at the Kericho Green Stadium and other pitches within Kericho town.  World U20 Athletics Championships 3000m bronze medallist Faith Cherotich is expected to continue stamping her authority in the athletics arena during the championships.

Mercy Chepkemoi and Benson Sigei who were the stars in the 5000M race for both women and men categories during the South Rift regional U20 trials last year will also be participating. 

Lemotit Athletics Training camp coach Paul Kemei said that he will be sending a total of 16 athletes (the highest) to compete in various races at the event.

Fancy Chepkorir, Mercy Chepkorir Kirarei, Joyline Chepkemoi and Diana Chepkemoi from the camp will participate in the 5000m.

Those lining up for 3000m Steeplechase include; Trizah Cherotich, Diana Chepkemoi and Sharon Chepkemei. Miriam Chemutai, Ann Naasisho, Sharon Chepkemei and Isca Chelangat are among those who will battle it out in the 1500m race.  In the 800m, the camp has picked Florence Chepkoech, Dorcus Chepkemoi, Vivian Cherotich and Miriam Chemutai to fly high its flag during the championships.

Vivian Cherotich will also represent the camp in 400m hurdles.

“They have trained well and I am upbeat they will make it to the national championships. So I want to say they are raring to go,” Kemei told People sport on phone yesterday.

The athletes will compete in 100m, 200m, 400m, 800m, 1500m, 3000m, 3000m Steeplechase, 5000m and 10,000m plus field events such as javelin, discus throw, long jump and shot put among others.

Athletics Kenya (AK) Kericho county branch vice-chairman Gabriel Kiptanui revealed that organisers of the event are putting final touches on all that is needed so that event becomes a success story.

He said the county is ready to host the event where prominent and upcoming athletes are expected to grace the occasion.

“We are nearing completion as far as preparations for the event are concerned. But I am saying we are ready to host the championships” he adds.

He anticipates high competition and a high number of athletes during the athletics meet.