Bett to test mettle with first mountain event
World Under-20 3,000m steeplechase silver medallist Leonard Bett has confirmed his participation in the inaugural National Mountain Championships due on Sunday, November 22 in Longonot, Nakuru County.
Bett is among an estimated 300 athletes expected for the championship.
“I have registered for the race and prepared well even though this is my first mountain championship to participate in but I am optimistic I will do well,’’ Bett told People Sport.
With the detrimental effects of the coronavirus affecting the daily routine of sportsmen, Bett says he remains positive.
“It has actually been very difficult for us athletes since the outbreak of the virus. Right now, I cannot train with my coach.
We only communicate on the phone. But since there is hope at the end of this challenge, I am still trying to train and keep fit as I wait for the championships,’’ he added.
During the first leg of the Wanda Diamond league in Monaco, Bett clocked 8:08.78 to come second behind world bronze medallist Soufianne El Bakkali who crossed the finish line in 8:08.04.
Bett had set out to compete at the Diamond League in preparation for the Tokyo 2020 Games that have since been pushed to 2021 as a precaution against the Covid-19 pandemic.
The athlete who trains in Silibwet Athletics Camp in Bomet County under the tutelage of coach John Kimetto further revealed that he is using the race to prepare for the upcoming competitions in future.
Two-time world champion Lucy Murigi is also one of the athletes that have confirmed their participation.
Murigi, who won the world event in 2017 and 2018, arrived in the country on Friday last week ahead of the event.
