Doha bound Team Kenya trains in Athi River

Part of Team Kenya to the forthcoming World Championships has moved from the Kasarani residential training camp to Athi River, partly in Kajiado and Machakos counties estimated to be hot and humid as Doha.

This is after reporting to Kasarani on Sunday evening, with head coach Julias Kirwa saying acclimatization will be key in the team’s performance.

“The team is in high spirit, up to 95 percent I can say. Everyone is in camp safe for a few who are away with my permission. The speed work bit will be done in Kasarani but today we moved to Athi River in order to help in acclimatization, which is very key in our preparation,” Kirwa told.

Kirwa, who is leading a contingent of coaches, is not troubled by the late night hours that the athletes will have to take tracks and roads in Doha, because of the extreme heat.

“You know of the heat and humidity in Doha, that’s why we need a good plan to overcome that. On running at night, well …nobody trains at night so that will be a challenge everyone running in Doha will have to face. It will not be a Kenyan problem alone,” he added.

Kenya won the world title in Beijing 2015 but relinquished the number one spot to USA in London 2017.

The medal hunt in Doha will begin on the first day with the women marathon team led by two-time champion Edna Kiplagat leading the team shortly after the opening ceremony at the Sheikh Khalifa International Stadium.

Full list of Team Kenya to Doha

400m:

Men

Alphas Kishoyian and Emmanuel Korir.

Women

Hellen Syombua and Mary Moraa

800m:

Men

Ngéno Kipng’etich, Emmanuel Korir and Ferguson Rotich

Women

Eunice Sum and Jackline Wambui

1,500m:

Men

Timothy Cheruiyot, Ronald Kwemoi and George Manang’oi.

Women

Faith Chepng’etich and Winnie Chebet

3,000m steeplechase:

Men

Conseslus Kipruto, Leonard Bett, Benjamin Kigen and Abraham Kibiwott

Women

Beatrice Chepkoech, Hyvin Kiyeng, Celliphine Chespol and Fancy Cherono

5,000m:

Nicholas Kipkorir Kimel

Women

Hellen Obiri, Lilian Kasait and Margaret Chelimo

10,000m:

Men

Rhonex Kipruto, Rodgers Kwemoi and Alex Oloitiptip

Women

Agnes Jebet Tirop, Hellen Obiri, Rosemary Wanjiru

20km race walk:  Samuel Gathimba (men). Grace Wanjiru (women)

Marathon:  Geoffrey Kirui, Amos Kipruto, Paul Lonyangata, Laban Korir (men). Ruth Chepngétich, Edna Kiplagat, Visiline Jepkesho (women)

Mixed Relay: Alphas Kishoyian, Alex Sampao, Joseph Poghisio, Mary Moraa, Gladys Musyoki

Javelin: Julius Yego (men)

High Jump: Matthew Sawe (men)

Officials: Joseph Kiget (Team Manager), Erastus Kabugi (Assistant Team Manager). Peninah Talam, (Chaperone)

Julius Kirwa (Head Coach), Richard Metto, Joseph Cheromei, Abraham Kiplimo, Ben Ouma, Shem Kororia, David Kitur, Sheila Kalunda, William Tanui, Silas Kiambata, Gedion Nyangech, (Assistant Coaches).

Fred Oudo, Nahashon Kibon (Accreditation)