Coach Kirwa: Kenya Is Out To Improve Rankings In Doha

18th September 2019 - by Erick Ochieng

The tactician said he is working round the clock to help the country dominate steeplechase as other countries have been inching too closer for comfort in the category

Team Kenya after Athletics Kenya national trials at Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi on September 14, 2019. PHOTO/ DANCUN SIRMA

SUMMARY

Kirwa will be leading a team of 47 athletes to the 17th edition of the event in Doha, Qatar starting September 27 to October 6
Kenya will be represented by world record-holder Beatrice Chepkoech, world U-20 title holder Celliphine Chesol, Hyvin Kiyeng and Fancy Cherono in the women’s steeplechase
At the same time, the 16th edition of Ndakaini Half Marathon was launched in Nairobi on Wednesday. The race will be held on November 9 at the Ndakaini Dam in Murang’a County

NAIROBI, Kenya- Team Kenya head coach Julias Kirwa says he out to improve the second position the country realised in the 2007 IAAF World Championship in London.

Kirwa will be leading a team of 47 athletes to the 17th edition of the event in Doha, Qatar starting September 27 to October 6.

“We finished second in London with five gold, two silver and four bronze. We are looking forward to better that medal standings,” he underlined.

“I’m currently sharpening the team for Doha at Kasarani and there is a lot of improvements. I believe I have a competent squad that will make us proud,” he underscored.

Kirwa reiterated he is working round the clock to help the dominate steeplechase as other countries have been inching too closer for comfort.

Kenya will be represented by world record-holder Beatrice Chepkoech, world U-20 title holder Celliphine Chesol, Hyvin Kiyeng and Fancy Cherono in the women’s category while Olympic champion Conseslus Kipruto, Leonard Bett, Benjamin Kigen and Abraham Kibiwott will headline the men’s chase in the discipline.

Meanwhile, the 16th edition of Ndakaini Half Marathon was launched in Nairobi on Wednesday. The race will be held on November 9 at the Ndakaini Dam in Murang’a County.

The competition targets 5000 amateur runners and for the second year running will not feature prize money for the elites.

“Apart from conservation, the main purpose for the event is to nurture upcoming marathon talents in the country. The marathon has always attracted great interest from amateur runners over the years, we expect a similar turn out this year,” race organiser James Mukuna underscored.