Linet Chepkwemoi Masai of Kenya on the way to win the Women's JUNIOR race (© Getty Images)
World Cross Country defending champions Kenya today named a strong team of 27 athletes to the 36th IAAF World Cross Country Championships in Edinburgh, Scotland. Over half of the team members are new faces in a squad that boasts of experience and enthusiasm.
Ebuya, Ng’atuny headline 12km
Winner of the Kenya national cross country Gideon Ng’atuny, who finished fourth in Mombasa last year and Joseph Ebuya will be leading the Kenyan onslaught for the elusive 12km title that was last won by Kenyans in 1999.
Ng’atuny, a Masai word for lion, has promised to combine efforts with team captain Mark Kiptoo and cause a major ambush to the title holder and pretenders to the title. They will be beefed up by Hosea Macharinyang and Augustine Choge.
Momany, Masai on “mission possible”
With the field wide open after Lornah Kiplagat opted out of the cross country, the Kenya senior women squad comprise of graduates who run away with the junior title in Mombasa.
But with the category attracting the best runners, Kenyans know only too well the expectations here are high. Assistant team captain Gladys Momany will headline the Kenyan chase alongside junior women cross country winner Linet Masai.
Priscah Jepleting brings with her the much needed experience that may prove beneficial as Kenyans seek to reclaim this title.
New faces in the junior men, women
Only two athletes who were in Mombasa last year - Mercy Kosgei and Mathew Kisorio - have retained their places in the team of ten junior runners.
Kisorio, the bronze medallist returns to the junior cross country to better his chances of winning the junior title after promising to fellow compatriot Asbel Kiprop, who will not be running in Scotland, that his title will remain in “familiar territory”.
Saddique Shaban, Kenya Television Network- KTN- for the IAAF
Full Kenyan squad to Edinburgh 2008
12km men
Gideon N’gatuny
Mark Kiptoo
Hosea Macharinyang’
Joseph Ebuya
Bernard Kiprop Kipyego
Leonard Komon
Moses Masai
Augustine Choge
John Kimondo Thuo
Senior 8km women
Grace Momanyi
Linet Masai
Doris Changeiwo
Linet Chepkurui
Margaret Wangare
Prisca Jepleting
Junior 8km men
Levy Matebo
Mathew Kisorio
Charles Chebet
Lucas Rotich
Titus Mbishei
Peter Some
Junior 6 km women
Christine Kambua Mayanga
Chebet Cheptai
Delvin Meringor
Dorcas Jepchirchir
Mercy Kosgei
Jackline Chebii
