Some Top Kenyans Not Running World XC

They are choosing instead to win money on the roads.

Kenya will be without some of its top cross-country runners at the World Championships in March. According to a report posted on the Capital Sports Web site, Geoffrey Kipsang and Eliud Kipchoge will not be racing.

Kipsang won the world junior championships (8K) two years ago. Instead of running in the Kenyan selection race, Kipsang has decided to follow the money at the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon on Friday. A purse of $250,000 is offered there.

“I have opted to skip the cross country championships to try my luck on the road races,” he said. “This is a planned move since I have been thinking of moving up the cadre to the marathon distance.”

“There are many younger runners who can step up and fill our shoes and challenge for the title in Poland,” he continued. “Many senior athletes are looking at the monetary value in the event compared to the road races and it is logic[al] for them to jump ship.”

For More: Capital Sports