This archive report was first published on 12 September 2019.
The national athletics trials for the 2019 World Championships are underway at Nyayo National Stadium, with athletes with wild cards facing a crucial test to secure their spots in Doha.
Among those eligible to defend their titles are Geoffrey Kirui (marathon), Faith Chepng'etich (1,500 metres), Conseslus Kipruto (3,000m steeplechase), Hellen Obiri (5,000m), and Elijah Manang'oi (1,500m).
Additionally, Timothy Cheruiyot (1,500m) and Beatrice Chepkoech (3,000m steeplechase) have secured team places after winning their respective races in the IAAF Diamond League series.
However, some events, such as the men's 1,500m, pose complications, with Athletics Kenya announcing that only the top three in every race with the qualification mark will make the trip, and a maximum of four athletes in every cadre can make the trip.
Therefore, it is essential for the two wild cards in 1,500m to participate in the event to avoid complications for the selectors.
Other athletes, such as Chepng'etich, Kipruto, and Chepkoech, are safe but still need to compete to help the selectors gauge their form.
Obiri and Kirui, having qualified in the 10,000m and marathon, respectively, can wait for their flight.
However, it is crucial to cast a wider net and look at other events, especially the sprints and field athletes, who have performed well in the African Games in Morocco.
