[Runners at a past event. Photo/MichezoAfrika]

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Kenya’s celebrated athletes will square it out during the inaugural Maria Soti Memorial cross country in Elgeyo Marakwet, Saturday.

Home athletes Edna Kiplagat and Florence Kiplagat are leading established and upcoming runners ready for the event.

Fresh from winning Barcelona Half marathon, Florence will take on the two-time world marathon champion Edna, at Maria Soti Educational Centre grounds.

Two-time world cross country junior champion Violah Kibiwott is also on the ring ready for the battle after missing to secure a ticket to world cross country last weekend, during national trials in Nairobi.

Edna who entered into the books of history after achieving back-to-back marathon wins at the world championships (2011 and 2013) is preparing for the London marathon, in April.

Florence who won Kenya gold during the 2009 world cross country championships in Jordan, is basking on her athletic success in all levels.

Event organisers said they are anticipating for over 500 athletes to grace the event.

“This is our first edition and we are expecting more athletes to take part. We have the best Kenya’s athletes training here in Elgeyo Marakwet,” the County's Athletics Kenya (AK) chairman Pius Lai said.

 He disclosed top six finishers will be awarded in the event which AK president Jack Tuwei is expected to grace.The sport event aims to commemorate the mother to the former cabinet minister, Nicholas Biwott.