NAIROBI, Kenya, November 27 – Over 500 athletes are expected to feature at this weekend’s fourth leg of the Athletics Kenya (AK) Cross Country Series in Bomet.
AK Executive Committee member John Kimetto says the South Rift region has always attracted intense competition and expects this weekend to be no different.
“This event is always well-attended. Bomet is the hub of athletes and the home of stars like World 3000m steeplechase record holder Beatrice Chepkoech, World 10km record holder Agnes Ngetich, Chicago Marathon champion John Korir among others,” the veteran coach said.
The Bomet leg follows previous ones in Machakos, Kapsokwony and Iten, which have equally attracted a large number of athletes.
Kimetto believes Saturday’s race – set for Kapkwen Airstrip – offers runners a golden opportunity to sharpen their speed ahead of the track and field season.
“The course we have here in Bomet is flat. It is a course where the athletes can test their speed and coaches can use to gauge their athletes ahead of the 2025 season. We urge all athletes to register and fans to turn up in large numbers to support the competitors,” he said.
Kimetto said it is all systems go for Saturday, explaining that all preparations are go as per planned.
“Preparations are going on well, and I am happy to report that we are in the final stages. We have already mapped out the course, and it is in excellent condition. Taping of the course will be done on Friday to ensure everything is ready for Saturday,” Kimetto said.
Saturday’s program includes the senior 10km race, the Under-20 6km (women) and 8km (men) races, and a 2km loop event.
This year’s Cross Country Series has been boosted by a Ksh 5 million sponsorship from betting firm Betika — part of a Ksh 15 million package towards the Road to Tokyo calendar events this year.
Winners in the senior categories will each receive Ksh 50,000 whereas those in the junior categories will walk home with Ksh 30,000 each.
Athletes must pick up their bib numbers in person on Friday at the AGC Town Church in Bomet.
