Runners chase national titles

By Mutwiri Mutuota

Action galore is expected as famed middle and long distance runners put on their spikes to compete during first day action of the New KCC/Athletics Kenya National Championships at Nyayo Stadium.
Icons such as Beijing 1,500m women’s champion, Nancy Jebet Lagat, Athens Olympics steeplechase winner, Ezekiel Kemboi and Africa 800m champion, David Rudisha among others will race for their teams today.
"My aim is to win everything this year and my programme is going on well. I have not reached my peak yet, but my performances at recent Grand Prix meetings are a sign that all is good," Kemboi said. He will race for Kenya Police during the 3,000m steeplechase semi-finals this afternoon.
On Berlin World Championships, the runner who holds the world leading time (7:58.85) in steeplechase this year said:
"Silver in 2003 Paris, silver in 2005 Helsinki and silver 2007 in Osaka. I don’t want silver anymore! I pray God that this is my year to win World Championship gold, the only one missing from my collection in Berlin."
Kemboi has also won Africa junior and Commonwealth steeplechase titles. Africa champion, Richard Mateelong and four-time World Athletics Final winner, Paul Kipsiele Koech are also in the Police roster.

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