Moitalel Mpoke transits from hurdles to middle distance 

World U18 400m hurdles silver medallist, Moitalel Mpoke will be testing his endurance in the Men’s 2km Loop Race at the third leg of Athletics Kenya Iten Cross Country Championships slated for Saturday 2, 2024 at the Iten Sports Grounds in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

The 23 year-old who hails from Nairagie Enkare, Narok County, and holds a life time best of 48.70 in the 400m is transitioning from the one lap race to the 800m and 1,500m, due to lack of a hurdles coach and a series of injuries, which are the key factors that have made him to change his discipline.

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“I will be competing in the 2km loop to work on my endurance and speed. So far, I am happy with how my body is responding to the training,” said Mpoke.

“I tested myself during the Betika Bingwa Fest, in Machakos County, I ran against some top athletes as part of my training and it was not bad at all. I know Saturday will not be easy because there is a lot of talent within Iten but my main target is complete the race,” he concluded.

Athletics Kenya Competitions Director, Kennedy Tanui says that they are expecting a huge number of athletes to turn up but they are prepared and have the capacity to handle the athletes.

Tanui urged the athletes to finalize collecting their bib numbers on Friday by 1800hrs because they risk being locked out of competition on Saturday.