NAIROBI, Kenya, February 7 – World Cross Country junior champion Ishmael Kipkurui has set his sights on the African crown at this month’s continental championships in Tunis, Tunisia.
The youngster believes a good outing in North Africa will be the perfect precursor to defending his world title at the global championships in Belgrade, Serbia on March 30.
“My next target is to be at the Africa Cross Country Championships in Tunisia where I want to win a medal in the senior category. Thereafter, I am hoping to successfully defend my title at the World Cross Country Championships,” Kipkurui said.
The 19-year-old was one of the stars at last year’s World Cross Country Championships in Bathurst, Australia where he clocked 24:29 to win the Under 20 men’s category.
The Baringo native also enjoyed success on the track and field in 2023, winning the men’s 3000m at Maurie Plant Meet (United States) and 5000m at Di Lucca Meet (Italy) in addition to finishing second at the Kip Keino Classic.
His latest success was at the Sirikwa Classic World Cross Country Tour in Eldoret on Saturday where he clocked 0:29.18 to finish second in the senior men’s 10km race.
World half marathon silver medalist Daniel Simiu took top honour in 0:29.16 as Weldon Langat came third in 0:29.26.
Kipkurui admitted it was a cutthroat race.
“The race was very tough…we started the first lap at a frenetic pace but had to slow down in the second one due to the scorching sun. Everyone decided to slow down the pace and I did the same until the last lap when I saw Simiu make his move and decided to follow his lead,” the youngster said.
The result notwithstanding, Kipkurui is hopeful the cross country race stands him in good stead ahead of the track and field season the highlight of which is the Olympic Games in Paris.
“This is good preparation for us considering this is an Olympic year. Before then we have the World Cross Country Championships. Personally, competing in Sirikwa Classic is helpful in my transition to the senior ranks. It is not easy to compete at that level but I am giving it my best to hold my own with the best of the best,” he said.
