NAIROBI, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Head coach Julius Kirwa has warned athletes to expect bruised egos and shuttered dreams on Saturday as Kenya lines up its best talent to pick the a 30-member team for the World Cross Country Championships.
Over 400 athletes will line up aiming for the automatic slots up for grabs in the five disciplines for the trip to Aarhus, Denmark, the host of this year's championships on March 30.
"It will be muddy, tricky and messy for the weak athletes. We have made improvements on the course to reflect what we anticipate in Denmark. Friends will suddenly turn into foes, team mates will forget their unity and work against each other.
"It will be a muddy bath with an adrenalin rush that only the best will make the cut," warned Kirwa on Friday in Eldoret.
Seldom in Kenyan athletics history, does the country hold a special trials meeting in the afternoon to select its national team. Eldoret will become the first to mimic the competition time for the world championships.
"The venue is perfect as it is in the middle of counties where residents eat, breathe and live athletics. Most runners will have their families watching and cheering them on, which will spice up the competition to get the best out of them," added Kirwa.
Kenya's best talent led by world cross country champion Geoffrey Kamworor, world 5,000m winner Hellen Obiri, junior champion Edward Zakayo and Celliphine Chespol will be among the athletes keen to seal their spot in the Kenya team.
"We have trained well as a team and we will be seeking to retain our title as Police on Saturday. We are chasing the top prize and places in the national team," said Kamworor.
Kamworor, who is also eyeing a third title in the global event, said the championship has attracted a number of good athletes and predicted a tough race on the day.
"I know there are many upcoming athletes who are planning to carry the day but we have also trained well for the race and they should be ready to face strong competition," added Kamworor.
However, it will be a debut performance for 3,000m steeplechase record holder Beatrice Chepkoech and Obiri who have always skipped the event in favor of the IAAF Indoor Tour circuit.
"This time round, cross country is my take. I want to represent Kenya in the event and boost my preparations for the track season. I feel strong and look forward to win," said Obiri.
