Nairobi — Athletics Kenya has challenged the 12km senior men's team to this year's World Cross Country Championship to break the duck and win the individual race title in Bydgozcsc, Poland.

And as expected, the 2008 World Cross silver medallist, Leonard Komon, agreed to take it upon himself to end the hunt. Komon, 22, is looking to improve on his performance in Edinburgh, Scotland, two years ago and win the crown so as he can dedicate the title to his mother, who died last week.

"It is a teamwork issue, but I want to win that gold ... at least to dedicate it to my mother. I will leave tomorrow for home to put her to her final resting place, but I remain focussed on doing well in Poland," said Komon.

For over two decades, Kenya has played second fiddle to their rivals Ethiopia and Eritrea, who have dominated the race, prompting AK secretary-general David Okeyo to call upon the team to bring the gold home.

Okeyo was speaking on Wednesday at St Mark's Teachers Training College in Kigari, Embu, where the Kenya team is camping in preparation for the March 28 championship.

It is 21 years since Paul Tergat last won the senior men's 12km individual title, but as Kenya team polishes up for the World Cross, they were made aware of the need to secure the one title that has eluded them.

Komon is not the only one in the team eyeing the crown. Though making his first show in the senior cadre, world 3,000m steeplechase champion Richard Mateelong is certain they will do well.

"I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. We are having some difficulties in training because of the mud and rains, but we have to look forward to it and remain focussed. We have to make every effort to conquer the world," Mateelong said.

AK treasurer Joseph Kinyua, who brought the kit and running shoes, said all is being done to ensure the preparations proceed smoothly.

"There are a few things that are still missing, but these will come before you leave or be shipped straight to Poland. We have also paid your allowances," Kinyua assured the team.

It is the third time the national team will be returning to Bydgozcsc since the inaugural world Youth Championship in 1999. Then, Kenya was declared the best nation, a feat they repeated in 2008 during the World Junior Championship. Now, for the first time, a senior championship will be held in the city and Kinyua says Kenya ought to win the overall title once again.

He said: "You must strive and see that our enemies do not succeed. You are the lead and not the tail."