Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Daily Nation
Published on 2024-02-02 21:00:00
The Sirikwa Classic Cross Country Championships, a World Athletics Gold Tour event, is set to kick off today at the Lobo Village in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, marking its third edition. The event has attracted a total of 578 athletes from 15 different nations and is one of the 27 competitions included on the 2023/2024 World Cross Country Tour calendar.
This season’s World Cross Country Tour features two events in Kenya, with the Great Chepsaita Cross Country being the first on the calendar. Held on December 2 in Chepsaita, also in Uasin Gishu, the event was a special privilege for Kenya. These cross country competitions are invaluable for Kenyan athletes as they use them to prepare for the upcoming 2024 season.
With a packed schedule ahead, the athletes are gearing up for important events such as the Africa Cross Country Championships in Tunis on February 25, followed by the World Cross Country Championships in Belgrade, Serbia on March 30. In addition, the African Games will take place in Accra from March 8 to 23, and the highly anticipated Olympic Games will be held in Paris from July 26 to August 11. Cross country has always been a vital part of athletes’ training regimes, particularly for improving endurance.
In the previous season, double Olympic 1,500-meter champion Faith Kipyegon began her 2023 season with a victory at the Sirikwa Classic. This victory paved the way for her to win the 1,500m and 5,000m world titles, as well as break three world records in the 1,500m, 5,000m, and Mile. The organizers of the Sirikwa Classic are commended for their efforts to ensure the safety and security of the course at Lobo, addressing the concerns of the athletes and providing an optimal environment for the competition.
Athletics Kenya will also make use of the Sirikwa Classic to select Kenya’s team for the upcoming Africa Cross Country Championships in Tunis. It is hoped that the championship will serve as a valuable opportunity for athletes to prepare effectively for the upcoming season.
In conclusion, the Sirikwa Classic Cross Country Championships play a pivotal role in the preparations of athletes for the 2024 season. With a focus on important upcoming events, the championship provides a platform for athletes to showcase their skills and secure their spot in major international competitions.
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