By Emily Wang’ombe

Athletics Kenya received a cheque of 5.2 million from KCB for prize money and running expenses of this season’s IAAF Cross Country trials and championship. The event which will be held on 18th February is aimed at coming up with the best talent to represent the country in the Confederation of African Athletics (CAA) champions scheduled for South Africa on 18th March 2012.

The trials will also act as a selection process for the upcoming Olympics tournament. “Our objectives in this partnership is to nurture talent, tap the untapped potential in the youth as feature athletes while empowering the unemployed youth through sports,” said the KCB director Retail Banking, Mrs Annastacia Chemutai. The trials which mainly targets young and upcoming athletes from the grass roots will have big names featuring too. “We have internationals and big names currently training in Eldoret in preparation for the trials,” said Isaiah Kiplagat, the Secretary General of Athletics Kenya.

Eight Kilometers Senior category will feature 10,000m World Champions Linet Masai and Vivian Cheruiyot. Two time World Junior Champion Mercy Cherono, not forgetting World 5000m Silver medalist Silvia Kibet and World Marathon winner Edna Kiplagat will be among other athletes eying for selection. On the men’s side Philemon Limo Half Marathon champion and  Geoffrey Mutai  another Marathon Champion will be among the athletes out to clinch the best sport in 12km senior category. The event will also be expecting international display by Tonny Wamulwa, Zambia, Mike Tebulo, Mali, Master Chauncy, Malawi, Mamadou Barry, Guinea, Christophe Chaygriguet of Germany all competing in the 12km Senior Males category.

The event will kick off from 7:50 a.m on Saturday.

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