Running News Daily

Naomi Korir is going after the qualifying standard at Kip Keino classic for Budapest

World Athletics Cross Country mixed relay silver medalist Naomi Korir will be chasing World Championships qualifying time during Saturday's Kip Keino Classic at the Moi Stadium, Kasarani.

Korir, an 800m specialist, said she wants to build on her 2:00.70 display in Botswana two weekends ago as she chases the 1:59.80 qualifying time for Budapest, Hungary.

“This race will be very important for me. I see it as an opportunity to qualify for the World Championships in Budapest. My training has been intense to ensure that I make the results count,” said Korir.

In Botswana, Korir finished fourth in the two-lap race — won by Ethiopian Habitam Alemu (1:59.35) followed by South African Prudence Sekgdiso (2:00.39) and another Ethiopian, Firezewid Tesfaye (2:00.52).

Korir finished third at last year's Kip Keino in 2:0006, behind winner Sekgdiso (1:58.41) and Commonwealth Games 800m champion Mary Moraa (1:59.87).

Also in the mix are defending champion Sekgdiso, Alemu and Botswana’s Oratile Nowe.

Meanwhile, Olympic and world 800m champion Emmanuel Korir will drop to the 400m where he will be up against compatriot Boniface Mweresa, American Vernon Norwood, Muzala Samukonga (Zambia), Gilles Biron (France), Machel Cedenio (Trinidad and Tobago), Kevin Borlee (Belgium) and Dylan Borlee (Belgium).