Fireworks expected at AK Relay Series

Fireworks is expected on Saturday at the Nyayo National Stadium when more than 200 sprinters take on track for the third Athletics Kenya (AK) Relay Series that will culminate in the trials for the fourth edition of the IAAF World Relay Championship set for Yokohama, Japan in May 10-11.

Among the participants are the trio of Aron Koech, Alphas Kishoyian and Jared Momanyi who alongside Emmanuel Korir clinched a gold medal in 4x400m race at the 2018 African Athletics Championships held in Asaba, Nigeria.

Similarly, the women team that clinched a bronze medal in 4x100m race in the same championships- Eunice Kadogo, Millicent Ndoro, Joan Cherono and Fresha Mwangi are all set to compete in their respective events.

Other notable figures set to grace the competition are; the national 100m record holder Mark Otieno, world Under-20 1,500m champion George Manangoi as well as Africa 800m champion Winny Chebet.

AK Vice President in charge of competitions Paul Mutwii had earlier disclosed that the federation had already make arrangements with the government as they seek to sent a larger contingent to this year’s championships owing to the introduction of two new events.

The two events introduced ahead of the biennial event are; the 2x2x400m and a mixed shuttle hurdle race that will involve two men and two women on each team running 110m legs.

On the other hand, the mixed 2x2x400m race requires both members of the team to run two 400m legs of a relay.

The first meet was held in Nairobi West Prisons grounds on March 2 before the second series was hosted at the Nyayo Stadium on March 16. After the third series, focus will shift to the national trials set for April 13 at the Lorna Kiplagat Stadium.

Events to be competed include; 100m, 100m hurdles, 200m, 400m, and 800m in both men and women categories.