This archive report was first published on 18 October 2019.
On Saturday, Paul Boit Farm in Ndalat Hills, Nandi County, will host the Isaiah Kiplagat Memorial Ndalat Gaa Cross Country, an event that marks the beginning of the 2019/2020 season.
Among the top athletes competing in the men's 10km race is World 10,000m bronze medallist Rhonex Kipruto, who is looking to defend his title.
However, Kipruto will face stiff competition from World Under-20 5,000m champion Edward Zakayo, Commonwealth 5,000m bronze medallist David Simiu, and World Under-20 3,000m steeplechase silver medallist Leonard Bett.
Also vying for the top spot is seasoned cross country runner Julius Tanki, who is determined to make up for his third-place finish last year.
On the women's side, World Under-20 5,000m champion Beatrice Chebet is set to launch her season with a possible victory in the women's 10km race.
However, she will have to contend with defending champion Sandra Chebet, 2017 World Cross Country champion Irene Cheptai, and seasoned long distance runner Alice Aprot.
The event, sponsored by Safaricom, Kass Media, Nandi County Government, Kenya Pipeline, and Mosop Constituency CDF, among others, will offer a prize fund of Sh1.5 million.
According to Athletics Kenya Central Rift chairman Abraham Mutai, the event will feature 12 races, including senior men and women's 10km and junior men and women's 8km.
"We are hosting the event at new ground so as to accommodate more spectators and ample parking," said Mutai.
The event is in honour of Athletics Kenya's former president, the late Isaiah Kiplagat.
