Eliud Kipchoge in full flow in the 2004 Kenyan XC champs (© Njenga)
Nairobi, Kenya An experienced team has been selected by Athletics Kenya for the 32nd IAAF World Cross Country Championships, Brussels, Belgium (20/21 March).
The Kenyan line-up of runners is described by the overall team captain John Kibowen as the best possible available from the country's pool of talent.
"We have the motivation and will to win all the team titles and several individual crowns," said Kibowen, who was World champion in the men's short course four years ago. Patrick Ivuti, the silver medallist last year and in 1999, was dropped from the 36-man strong squad due to poor form.
National coach Patrick Sang, a silver medallist in Barcelona Olympics in the steeple, said they were aware of the international opposition but it would be foolhardy to single out individuals, notably double-double World Champion Kenenisa Bekele and Saif Saeed Shaheen of Qatar. "We are simply going for the championships as one country to meet other countries," said Sang who is assisted by six other coaches.
Kenya’s World Cross Country team:
Men 12km
Eliud Kipchoge
John Korir
Wilberforce Talel
Richard Limo
Simon Kiprop
Charles Kamathi
Men 4km
Abraham Chebii
John Kibowen
Kiplimo Muneria
Bonifce Songok
Isaac Songok
Eliud Kirui
Junior men 8km
Barnabas Kosgei
Hosea Macharinyang
Ronald Kipchumba
Earnest Meli
Moses Masai
George Kirwa
Women 8km
Alice Timbilil
Sally Barsosio
Irene Kwambai
Fridah Domongole
Eunice Jepkorir
Jane Ngotho
Women 4km
Beatrice Jepchumba
Jane Gakunyi
Edith Masai, Prisons
Peninah Jepchumba
Isabella Ochichi
Vivian Cheruiyot
Junior women 6km
Chemutai Rionotukel
Jebichi Yator
Grady Chemweno
Emmy Chepkurui
Zeddy Cheboi
Nelly Jepkurui
