Maiyo to run in Morocco

Kenyan athletes are set to conquer Morocco as IAAF Diamond league open its doors for the Africa continent for the first time in history.

The North African nation will come alive as big track and field athletes take on the stage as former Africa junior 1,500m champion Hillary Maiyo changes from his specialty to Kenyan favourite 3,000m steeplechase.

Maiyo will be on the starting line-up in the Water and Barrier race in the Capital City, Rabat in the third meeting of Diamond League after Doha in Qatar and Shanghai in China last Saturday.

On his return after a nagging injury for three years, the police officer won the national police service athletics championships held three weeks ago at Kasarani stadium in 3,000m steeplechase.

Maiyo the 2011 Africa junior 1,500m champion is spoiling for a fight in the 3,000m race, facing experienced runners in the hot weathered weather.

Maiyo said he has switched specialty from 1,500m to 5,000m and will be using the 3000m race in Rabat for build-up purposes.

The athlete, since graduating into senior ranks, he has not been running because of an injury and vowed to use Rabat race in build-up to Rio Olympic Games in Brazil.

He will be using the 3,000m steeplechase race in readiness for 5,000m that he expects to run in the ‘Samba nation’.

“Am now ready to face the world after recovering from an injury. My intention is to use the 3,000m race to build up for the 5,000m, which I intend to run during next month’s trials and if possible at the Rio Olympic Games,” said Maiyo in Eldoret on Monday evening.

The runner in running away from his specialized 1,500m since it has been easy for him to compete in the category and his switch, he believes will be of great influence to build his career.

He cites triple world champion Asbel Kiprop, and Elijah Manangoi  who pose a great threat to his winning ways.

“These people Kiprop (Asbel) and (Manangoi) Elijah have been dominating the race for long and competing against them will not be easy for me. They have been on top form the better part of their career. You know after graduating into senior cadre, I have not performed very well. At the same time I have a feeling that I am rife for 3,000m steeplechase and 5,000m.

The police officer after Rabat race, Maiyo has also been invited to run at the Birmingham Diamond League on June 5 before returning home for Olympic trials in Eldoret.

In Rabat, Maiyo will be up against world military games 5,000m champion with his personal best time of 7:39 minutes which he posted last year in Monaco, says he is ready for the challenge ahead.

After placing second at the opening leg of the Diamond League meeting in Doha, Kenya’s world 800m bronze medalists Eunice Sum will also head to Rabat, where she has been pitted against world champion Marina Arzamasova.