For the first time in the country’s athletics history, retired athletes will be battling it out in the inaugural masters cross country set to be held in Eldoret next month.
The race sponsored by Taach FM, a Kalenjin radio station, is expected to attract several renowned athletes who have retired.
Speaking during the launch of the race in Eldoret town on Monday, Taach FM chairman Charles Langat said the masters cross country will be an annual race.
“We will do this race as a welfare for the legends and we shall be having it every year. We want to touch the lives of these athletes,” said Langat.
Preparations for the championships scheduled for April 27th at the Eldoret National Polytechnic received a major boost after the Bank of Africa gave out a Sh1.7 million cheque for the race.
Athletics Kenya (AK) masters secretary Rose Tata who also attended the launch termed the championships as a lifeline to retired athletes.
“Introduction of masters by Athletics Kenya is a recommendable move. It will help the retired athletes as some have been languishing,’ noted Tata.
Masters competition brings together athletes aged 35 and above.