Chris Musumba
5 March 2008
Nairobi — The national cross-country team moves to camp at Kigari Teachers Training College Wednesday, with head coach Julius Kirwa's task clear - to psyche up the athletes and bridge the yawning gap between leaders and pursuing packs displayed during the national trials.
With 33 runners already named in the provisional squad, Athletics Kenya has said anyone who fails to turn up on the first day risks forfeiting his slot.
The 27 athletes, made up of nine senior men, six each in senior women, junior men and junior women's teams, will make the trip to Edinburgh for the World Cross Country Championships on March 30.
"The time we have is short to prepare," said AK secretary general David Okeyo.
"There is a lot of ground to gain before the athletes hit their peak form. This calls for discipline, co-operation and maximum concentration, all which must be shown from the start. Previously, we allowed athletes to join the camp late but we will not accept that this time round."
Kirwa has blamed the wide gaps between the winners and their following packs during the national trials on lack of adequate training caused by security concerns following the recent post-election violence.
He, however, said he had time to turn this to Kenya's advantage by encouraging the athletes to carry the country's flag high after the political turmoil.
Wild card
Meanwhile, World 5,000m silver medallist Vivian Cheruiyot received a call-up to join the team.
Cheruiyot joins Priscah Jepleting through the wild card slot in the senior women's team in what Athletics Kenya officials said was a move to blend youth and experienced runners against the formidable challenge from Ethiopians.
Jepleting, a bronze medallist in the 5,000m race at the 2007 Osaka World Athletics Championships, did not compete at Ngong Race Course during the national trials on Saturday due to a bout of malaria.
However, she was given a reprieve after informing Athletics Kenya of her sickness and must now prove her mettle at the Kigari, where the team will camp for three weeks before leaving for Edinburgh for the championship set for March 30.
Cheruiyot could only manage ninth place during the trials.
Now the four athletes - Cheruiyot, Jepleting, World Cross Country 6km junior women silver medallist Mercy Kosgei and Commonwealth Games 5,000m champion Augustine Choge - must flex their muscles and catch the coach's attention if they are to edge out local rivals.
Kosgei also failed to turn up for the trials due to illness.
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