Kamworor out to defend National Police XC title

Three-time World Cross Country champion Geoffrey Kamworor is out to defend his title when the National Police Service championships go down at the Ngong Race Course on Saturday.

The Cross Country championship will be Kamworor’s opener this season having not competed since last year’s New York City marathon where he finished third.

The 26 year old will also be in the hunt for a sixth title in the championship and even though he expects a tough challenge from his colleagues, he is ready for the battle.

“After the New York City marathon I took a small rest and on December last year I resumed build ups for the cross country and the whole of this month I have been practicing as well. I have prepared well and I am ready for the challenge,” Kamworor told Citizen Digital.

With the championships being used to form a Police team for the national cross country championships cum trials for the World cross country championships, Kamworor is adamant to make the cut and defend his world title at the global championships slated for Aarhus, Denmark in March 30.

“This championships leads to trials for the national team hence I hope to perform so that I can make the cut,” said Kamworor.

Having bagged the two world titles in succession (2015, 2017), a lot is at stake for Kamworor as he launches his title defence journey.

“Being the defending champion I will do everything I can to make it to the team and hopefully defend the title,” said Kamworor.

Kamworor won last year’s race in 29:11 improving on the 30:53 he clocked in 2016 when he clinched his fourth successive title.

Elsewhere, Commonwealth Games 10,000m silver medalist Stacy Ndiwa is also expected to defend her crown against a stellar cast of World 3000m steeplechase record holder Beatrice Chepkoech who is last year’s runner-up and Margaret Chelimo who finished third.