This archive report was first published on 18 July 2019.
Kenya Prisons Service Athletics Championships, scheduled to start on Friday at Kasarani, will be a crucial event for World and Commonwealth 1,500m silver medallist Timothy Cheruiyot. The 23-year-old athlete aims to use the championships to refine his speed ahead of the World Championships, planned for August 20-21 at Nyayo National Stadium.
Cheruiyot, who finished second behind teammate Elijah Manangoi at the 2017 London World Championships, is determined to improve his performance this season. He has been untouchable in the Diamond League, winning four out of the seven events so far, but insists that he is not overly focused on breaking the world record.
Speaking at the Prisons headquarters in Nairobi, Cheruiyot expressed his gratitude for the good health and form he is enjoying at the moment. He also thanked the sponsors who donated over Sh1.5 million in cash and kind for the two-day event.
Among the firms that gave out their donations were Lotto Foundation (Sh500,000), Nairobi Women’s Hospital (Sh500,000), Safaricom (Sh300,000), Magereza Sacco (Sh100,000), and Kenya Commercial Bank (Sh50,000). Other donations in kind came from Coca Cola, Getrude’s Children’s Hospital, Nairobi Sports House, and Kenya Women’s Finance Trust.
Cheruiyot will battle in the 800m semi-finals, which will feature the 2012 national champion Anthony Chemut, among others. The championships will also feature other top athletes, including World Under-20 3,000m steeplechase champion Cellphine Chespol and seasoned 2012 Olympic 5,000m bronze medallist Thomas Longosiwa.
