Daniel Simiu to battle young talent Ishmael Kipkurui in Chepsaita

ATHLETICS Daniel Simiu to battle young talent Ishmael Kipkurui in Chepsaita

Abigael Wafula 14:38 - 28.11.2023

Daniel Simiu is set to fight for top honours against 18-year-old Ishmael Kipkurui at the Chepsaita Cross-country.

World 10,000m silver medallist Daniel Simiu is not resting on his laurels as he eyes victory at the Chepsaita Cross-country at Chepsaita High School, Uasin Gishu County, on Saturday.

Simiu will battle it out against young talent Ishmael Kipkurui, who is the reigning junior cross-country champion.

Speaking to The Star, Simiu explained that he is hungry for more victories and will do what it takes to take the top prize at the event.

However, he will face a stern test from the 18-year-old who also has prowess in the cross-country despite his tender age.

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“If I will not be there, who will be? I am seriously hungry for more victories. I want to perform better than I have ever.

"This is part of my training ahead of the world cross country. I am told that the course is very tough, meaning, it will be a good race for me to test my endurance and fitness,” Simiu said.

The New Delhi Half Marathon champion has enjoyed a great season so far with his remarkable performances that also saw him make it to the final shortlist for the International Fair Play Award at this year’s World Athletics Awards.

He finished second in the 10,000m at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, and also took silver in the half marathon at the World Road Running Championships in Riga, Latvia.

Simiu was nominated for his brilliant act of saluting compatriot Sabastian Sawe as he overtook him to win gold in Riga.

On his part, Kipkurui will be competing in the senior category and is ready to rumble. “The boy said that even if he will complete the race in position 20, it is better than running in the junior ranks where they are only clapped for compared to seniors who are remunerated,” said his coach Barnaba Kitilit.

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