Kandie targeting world cross champion status in Bathurst

Former world half marathon record holder Kibiwott Kandie is looking to add a world cross country medal to his trophy cabinet when he takes to the World Athletics Cross Country Championship course.

The 26-year-old is no stranger to winning races but this will be a new challenge for the Commonwealth Games bronze medalist as he goes up against some of the best cross-country runners in the world.

During the national trials held at Prisons college grounds, Kandie clocked 28:30.3 to place third behind winner Sebastian Kimaru and Daniel Simiu as the top six finishers booked a place to the global showpiece set for 18 February 2023 in Bathurst, Australia.

“I am happy to get this chance to represent the country next year, the trial was not easy. I had no trained well as I expected the trials to come later but I was sure of making the team.

I had just come from winning the Valencia half marathon in October and my body was yet to pick up after the rest. However, I now have enough time to prepare before February as I target to be on the podium,” the Kenya Defence Forces’ athlete offered.

Teenage sensation Chepkirui anticipating smooth transition to senior ranks

Kandie says he is struggling to handle the muddy patches of the cross-country course and with the world championship venue expected to present such challenges and more, he is looking to work on that.

“We have a big season coming and while the cross-country event is likely to be my first global championship, I will look to excel in track and road racing too and that calls for good preparations,” he added.

He will be up against a stellar field that also has two-time world champion Geoffrey Kamworor who will be out to bag a third title on that stage.

Kenya will be out to wrestle the men’s individual and team titles from Ugandans who won in 2019 in Denmark with Joshua Cheptegei winning the men’s race ahead of compatriot Jacob Kiplimo and Kamworor in third place.