Catherine Ndereba of Kenya celebrates winning the women's marathon (© Getty Images)
As usual some interesting battles are expected in the middle and long distance races at the Kenyan national championships in Nairobi, Thursday 17 June to Saturday 19 June inclusive, despite the absence of many leading athletes who are currently on the European circuit.
Armed Forces pair set for 10,000m
Of particular interest will be the men's 5000 and 10,000m races at which Kenyans have so far failed to hit the Athens’ Olympics qualifying marks at home. 2001 World 10,000 metres champion Charles Kamathi has opted to compete in the 5000m, and so the onus of setting the right standard over 25 laps will be left to the Armed Forces duo of twice World Cross Country silver medallist Patrick Ivuti, and Kenyan champion John Korir.
Robert Kipchumba has been tipped to set up the pace for his two colleagues in order to fend of any potential opposition from younger athletes. The talent-rich Rift Valley province which will be fielding young, upcoming athletes like Andrew Limo, Moses Macharinyang and Jackson Rono at the championships.
Kamathi goes for 5000m
At the 5000m, Kamathi and colleague Ben Maiyo of the Police will tough it out with Kenyan Prisons' new find Nelson Kiplagat who dominated the local cross country scene last season. Not far behind will be David Kiplak and Kwimoi Masai of the Armed Forces.
Abraham Cherono is Steeple favourite
Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Abraham Cherono is the hot favourite in the 3000m steeplechase which could be a repeat of the Armed Forces championships recently when he took a close battle with former World champion and record holder Wilson Boit Kipketer. Experienced Julius Nyamu should also join them in the fray for medals.
Quality 800m
William Yampoi, an IAAF GP winner in Belem leads the 800m field which also boasts the likes of former World Junior champion Mwengi Mutua, Francis Marwa, the second fastest in the world this year Justus Koech, and Michael Rotich, the latter two who are both from the Armed Forces team.
Ndereba and Masai look for speed work
Although she is already in the Athens Olympic Marathon squad, World champion Catherine Ndereba leads the women’s 5000m field as part of her on-going preparations for the 26.2 road race at the Games.
Commonwealth 10,000m champion Selina Kosgei will double in the 1500m and 5000m, whereas World 5000m bronze medallist, Edith Masai has confirmed she will compete only in the 1500m to build on her speed.
The 1997 World 10,000m champion Sally Barsosio will lead others over this distance.
Only athletes who have attained the Olympics qualifying marks will be invited for the final national trials for the Athens, which take place on Friday (25) and Saturday (26) next week.
