AK postpones the opening two Cross Country series in honour of its fallen heros

Following the untimely demise of multiple World 10000m bronze medalist Agnes Tirop, Athletics Kenya has moved to postpone the first and second legs of the Cross Country that were initially set for October 16 and 23 in Machakos and Iten respectively. 

Tirop who broke the 10km women only record is said to have been found dead at their home in Iten on Wednesday with immediate reports suggesting that she was murdered in cold blood.

Her death saw President Uhuru Kenyatta order for investigation with sports stakeholders also chipping in request for answers to the death that added salt to the sector's would having lost former Africa Junior silver medalist Hosea Macharinyang' a couple of days ago.

The latter is alleged to have committed suicide at his home in Murkwijit, West Pokot county under unclear circumstances. 

"In view of the latest developments, in honor of our fallen athletes, we have postponed the first and second legs of the AK Cross Country series," said the body. 

" We are confident the relevant agencies are working round the clock to ensure speedy justice to the family and friends who have been left emotionally scared by the demise of someone they depended on for financial and psychological support, " added the statement.

The federation while condemning the murder announced that it will hold a workshop in December aimed at addressing the swelling cases of mental health related challenges.

In addition, the body called on athletes and stakeholders to join hands and seal any other loophole left even as they were encouraged to speak their minds out.

"The federation is preparing a workshop on mental in early December during which athletes will be invited for candid sessions to identify issues affecting them with a view of formulating solutions to the same.Considering that these challenges are unique to female and male athletes, there will be separate sessions for either genders, " added the body.

Meanwhile, fresh from finishing third in Boston Marathon, Mary Ngugi has condemned the murder of Tirop and further lifted the lid on the untold suffering athletes go in the hands of irrational coaches.