OVER 1,000 athletes are expected to converge for the inaugural Moi University-Kesses community cross country on September 29. Athletics Kenya (AK) Wareng district chairman Sammy Tanui, said the event will be part of their preparations for the cross country season that will culminate in the 2013 World Championship in Poland.

World 800m record holder David Rudisha, 2011 Diamond League winner Nixon Chepseba and former world 800m champion Alfred Kirwa Yego are among the top athletes invited to grace the occasion. "They will not be running but we have invited them to inspire the upcoming runners," Tanui said. However, he said he expects top cross country runners from the region to participate.

"The cross-country season has started and the bigwigs are expected to launch their 2013 world cross country bid. Most of our international athletes are expected to take part," he added. The race will feature the junior women's 6km, junior men 8km, senior women 8km and senior men 2km races. There will also be 500m, 1km and 2km for kids. Veterans athletes will also compete in the same categories.