NAIROBI, Kenya, July 26- World Championships bound athletes begun trickling to their residential training camp on Tuesday ahead of the August 27 to September 4 global showpiece in Daegu, Korea.
Head coach Peter Mathu, told Capital Sport that all men 10000m runners, race walkers and sprinters reported to Moi International Sports Centre Complex where the team will be based until their expected departure on August 19.
“We did not conduct any training since most of the athletes arrived this (Tuesday) morning. We planned a light work-out for them in the evening and we shall begin our programme tomorrow,” Mathu declared.
“Others who returned from Europe have called to say they are on their way and as you are away for the Stockholm Diamond League meeting but we expect them to be here early next week,” the head coach added.
Peter Kirui who won the men 10000m trial as well as Africa Champion, Wilson Kiprop and Osaka 2007 Worlds bronze winner, Martin Mathathi checked in on Tuesday.
The four race walkers, Japheth Kimutai, Josphat Sirma (men 20km), Africa record holder, Grace Wanjiru and Emily Ngii (women 20km) and short distance runners such as Vincent Kiplagat (men 400m Hurdles), Vincent Mumo, Julius Kirwa and Anderson Mureta (men 4X400m relay) were also present.
Those given dispensation to compete at the Stockholm meet were directed by Athletics Kenya to report to camp next Tuesday with the ten marathoners in the team conducting separate training in Eldoret and will not join their team mates in Nairobi.
So far, only two changes have been made to the line-up that was named at the end of the National Championships a fortnight ago.
Nixon Chepseba initially named in the men 1500m squad was demoted to the Maputo All Africa Games squad and his place taken up by Daniel Kipchirchir Komen who moved in the opposite direction last Wednesday.
AK announced on Monday that David Leting, the designated marathon coach had been replaced by Andrew Kiplimo after he stepped down to attend further studies.
Speaking to Capital Sport, Leting wished the team well as they prepare to represent the country in Daegu.