AK issues running shoes to junior athletes ahead of World U20

Junior athletes at Tiloa Athletics Training Camp in Kuresoi North, Nakuru County got a massive shot in the arm in their preparations for the World Under-20 Championships when Athletics Kenya (AK) issued them with training shoes on Saturday.

Director for Youth Barnaba Korir led the AK delegation in which he issued 17 pairs of training shoes and 14 pairs of spikes from Nike to the budding athletes who are preparing for this year’s World Under-20 Championships slated for August 7-12 in Nairobi.

Korir who said junior athletes are the most vulnerable lot vowed to channel more support to them as they develop their talents while continuing with their studies while also revealing that he has secured another consignment of training equipment for the budding athletes.

“This is just a start-up; we chose to start here at Tiloa having witnessed some talented athletes from this camp competing barefoot when they came for the World Under-20 pre-trials last year. We are expecting about 80 pairs of shoes and track suits from Nike next month and this we are planning to distribute to those athletes who we selected at the pre-trials,” said Korir.

At the same time, Korir appealed to well wishers to boost the federation in its quest to support youthful athletes.

“It is not only the responsibility of AK, we have to come together and whatever small we have can make a difference in the life of an athlete especially in acquiring training equipment,” he said.

Korir later flagged off Nakuru County Cross Country Championships held at Gicheha Primary School.

Keringet Camp dominated both the 8km boys and girls 6km with the trio of Maureen Cherotich (20:39, Edna Chepkemoi (21:15) and Diana Chepkorir (22:25) sweeping the podium.

In the boy’s 8km race; Benard Yegon stormed to victory in 24:32 ahead of training mates Samson Bii (25:00) and Nehemiah Yegon (25:26).