This archive report was first published on 19 August 2019.
Kenya's top distance runners will gather at Nyayo National Stadium from August 20 to 22 for the National Athletics Championships, with the 10000m races serving as trials for the World Championships in Doha, Qatar, from September 28 to October 6.
Three-time World Half Marathon champion Geoffrey Kamworor and World Under-20 10000m champion Rhonex Kipruto are expected to be among the top contenders, with Kamworor having already confirmed his entry for the World Championships, but still undecided if he will compete.
According to Athletics Kenya, the top three finishers in both men's and women's 10000m races will earn direct tickets to the World Championships, with no wild cards to be used, except for defending champions and Diamond League winners.
Other top athletes set to compete in the 10000m races include World Under-20 10000m silver medalist Stanley Waithaka, Kenya Prisons Service trio of Charles Muneria, Wilfred Kimitei, and Peter Emase, and Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) trio of Alfred Barkach, Vedic Cheruiyot, and Alex Oloititip.
On the women's side, a tough encounter is expected, with World 5000m champion Hellen Obiri representing KDF set to make an appearance for the first time in the race, alongside World Half Marathon record holder Joyciline Jepkosgei and African Games-bound Irene Kimais.
The 10000m races are scheduled for Wednesday as the championship enters its second day.
