Africa-Press – Kenya. African Games 5,000m champion Robert Kiprop will seek to retain his continental title in a packed 2024 season.
Kiprop, who won the BingwaFest 10,000m race at Eldoret’s Kipchoge Keino Stadium, said he has taken a break from competition as he plots how to attack next year’s events including the Paris Olympic Games.
“2024 will be a very busy and crucial year for any athlete,” said Kiprop.
His first competitive event will be the National Police Service Cross Country Championships set for Ngong Racecourse, Nairobi, on 19 January.
“The event will be big for me and the entire NPS family since we will be hunting for tickets to the national championships-cum-trials for the World Cross Country Championships (on March 30). I need to prepare well for the event,” said the Directorate of Criminal Investigation officer.
Also in his plans is the Sirikwa Cross Country Championships, a World Athletics Golden Tour race, at the Lobo Village in Kapseret, Uasin Gishu County, in February.
“I registered poor results at Sirikwa this year, finishing ninth. I want to improve on that by hitting the podium. But that needs proper preparations — through training,” he said.
The Iten-based athlete, who finished fourth at the inaugural Chepsaita Cross Country, feels he has what it takes to represent the country in Belgrade.
“I would want to be in the Team Kenya to Belgrade but I know it will not be easy at the national championships. I have done this many times so it will not be a new frontier,” he said.
Once cross country is done, Kiprop will chase qualifying time for the 5,000m race at the African Games in Accra, Ghana where he will hope to defend his title.
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