Angwenyi Gichana
22 February 2008
Nairobi — A galaxy of elite athletes will be on parade this Friday for the Nyanza South cross-country championships at the Kisii Golf Club.
Nyanza South Athletics Kenya (AK) chairman, Peter Angwenyi, said many elite runners are among the 300 participants who have confirmed participation.
Angwenyi said all the districts affiliated to the branch will send runners to the championships, while schools will be allowed direct entry.
"The event is open to schools because they did not have time to prepare for the championships," Angwenyi said.
Competition is expected to be stiff, especially in the 12Km senior men's race if the calibre of runners who have entered is anything to go by.
Japan-based runners Jefferson Siekei and Job Mekubo Mogusu are favourites to clinch the race. The two won the Nyamira and Gucha district championships respectively while Valentine Orare, another experienced runner, clinched the Kisii championships.
Other experienced runners who will be on parade include Boaz Mayaka, Moses Orenge, Machuki Mogire, Jairus Chanchima and Jason Mosoti.
Competition is also expected to be tough in the 8km senior women's race. Japan-based Philes Ongori, Irene Mogaka - who was second in the Mumbai Marathon - and Alice Mogire will all be battling for honours.
Stunning performance
Jackline Nyangeri, Isabella Nyangacha, Violet Mayaka and Hyline Onkware are, however, expected to give the trio a run for their money.
The 8km junior men's race has also attracted top runners among them Isaiah Ondieki, schoolboy David Oroko, Joseph Onsarigo and Morris Mosima, a younger brother to former world youth cross county champion Phillip Mosima.
Meanwhile, World record holder Samuel Wanjiru will return to The Hague for the 34th edition of the Fortis City-Pier-City Half Marathon on March 15, organisers announced.
Last year, the 21-year-old Kenyan produced a stunning performance in the race, an IAAF Silver Label Road Race, reaching the finish in 58:33, bettering his own previous World record of 58:53.
It was the third time Wanjiru broke the World record in the Half Marathon. The first time came on 11 September 2005 at the Fortis Half Marathon in Rotterdam with a 59:16 run, a performance that is still the World junior best.
Wanjiru is already the fastest half marathoner of 2008 with a 59:26 performance at in Granollers, Spain, on February 3.
In his relatively short but outstanding career, Wanjiru has already run six Half Marathons under one hour. Martin Lel will also start in The Hague.
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