The Athletics Kenya President Jackson Tuwei on Friday morning named marathon team that will represent the country in the summer Tokyo Olympic games.
The event held at Riadha House was attended by CS Sports Amina Mohammed, Culture Josephta Mukobe, Sports secretary Joe Okudo and Noor Hassan at Riadha House.
Eliud Kipchoge will lead men alongside Boston and Chicago Marathon winner Lawrence Cherono and World Marathon bronze medalist Amos Kipruto while Titus Ekiru and Dedan Karoki will be on standby.
Brigid Kosgei will lead women marathoners together with former London Marathon champion Vivian Cheruiyot and Ruth Chepng'etich as they seek for the women maiden gold Olympic medal. Frankfurt Marathon champion Valary Aiyabei and Sally Chepyegon were selected as reservist.
In addition, Lotto Foundation CEO, Joan Wangari Mwaura presented a Sh8 million cheque in support of the National Cross Country slated for 8th February.
The race will be used to select a team that will represent Kenya in the 6th African cross country championship, slated for Togo in 8th April this year.
Meanwhile, AK boss revisited the issue of doping and urged athletes to work hard and shun the vice.
"We have told them the issue of doping and we won't stop discussing about," Tuwei said.
CS Amina promised to support the Tokyo team noting that they have made the country proud, "Our athletes are our brand career and made us proud. We owe them full support as they prepare for the Tokyo Olympics. We shall support them fully," Amina assured.
The athletes promised to deliver scandal free victory by enhancing training.
"We shall work hard on training and focus. And we shall make our country proud," Vivian Cheruiyot said.
Amos Kipruto thanked the CS Amina for the continued support, "We are happy and appreciate for your support. We feel you are part of us. We shall manage the issue of doping for it does taint our image," Amos Kipruto said.
The team will start its training camp on 1st may in Kaptagat camp.
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