Kamworor warns of Ugandan, Ethiopian challenge at World Cross Country

Source: Xinhua| 2019-01-26 20:11:12|Editor: Lu Hui
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NAIROBI, Jan. 26 (Xinhua) -- World half marathon champion Geoffrey Kamworor has warned Kenyan athletes to be on the watch saying Uganda and Ethiopia may present a surprise attack to deny them medals at the World Cross Country championships.

Speaking to Xinhua on Saturday in Nairobi, Kamworor said he is certain to make the Kenya team and wants to retain his title in Aarhus, Denmark in March.

Kamworor warned it will take something special to deny him his crown when he leads Kenya team to the global competition.

Kamworor, 27, showed on Saturday he is fully back in training and rearing to go when he won the Kenya Police cross country championships in Nairobi obliterating his opponents.

"There have never been any doubts about my fitness. I had a bad race in New York and the back problems healed immediately. Now I am back in training and will be eyeing for the ticket to Denmark by dominating the national trials," he said.

Kamworor clinched the Kenya National Police Service 10km title, his sixth in as many attempts, after a splendid display in Nairobi on Saturday.

He was timed at 29:36.1 relegating Josephat Boit of presidential escort and Isaac Temoi to second and third position. Boit clocked 29:53.9 while Temoi was third in 29:58.8.

"This sets the stage for the national trials on Feb. 23. But I have no doubt Kenya will select a strong team," said Kamworor.

Other top names that competed include Josephat Bett (30:04.9), Emmanuel Bett (30:08.7) and Valencia Half Marathon champion Matthew Kisorio (30:10.5).

In the women's race, 2015 All Africa Games 10,000m champion Margaret Chelimo defied a strong field to beat Africa steeplechase champion Beatrice Chepkoech, who was fourth, World 3000m steeplechase champion Hyvin Kiyeng (33:43.5) and road runner Pascalia Chepkorir (33:55.3).

"I had no problem only that the competition was strong. But I have a month to improve and head to the national trials," said Chepkoech.

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