Stellar cast expected at AK meet in Thika

World and Commonwealth Games medalist are set to grace the this year’s final Athletics Kenya (AK) Track and Field meet in Thika as part of their IAAF Diamond League preparations.

Olympic bronze and Commonwealth Games 800m silver medalist Margret Nyairera will compete in the 400m as she bids to improve her personal best over the two-lap race.

The home favourite will battle it out Commonwealth Games finalist and national champion Maximillia Imali as targets a season best of 53:00 or 54:00 at the two-day event.

“I have had a good rest since the Commonwealth Games. I think I shall start my Diamond League competition in Rome, though I’m waiting for the final word from my manager,” Nyairera said.

The Eugene 2014 and World Under 20 800m silver medalist Joshua Masikonde will be making a comeback after missing in action.

The Kenya Police Service officer will compete in the 800m where he will face off 2015 World medley relay  silver medalist Alphas Kishoyan who recently upgraded to from 400m to the two-lap distance.

According to the AK Central Region chairman David Miano a huge turnout of elite, upcoming and young athletes from all regions of the country is expected at the meet as the series comes to an end to pave way to the AK County, Regional and National championships.

“All events will be done except the pole vault. I also hope that it will not rain because it would make us wait for the track to dry. The rains affected Kericho and Mombasa series and it would cause some athletes to get worried. Everything else is ready and we expect to put a very exciting show on Friday and Saturday,” said Miano.

Once the weekend meetings are over, the federation will start build up to the National Championships that will select the team to represent Kenya at the 2018 CAA Africa Athletics Championships in August.