The thrilling track competition at the Rift Valley Secondary School Games, tacticians say, was as good as the often blistering national contest.

As they conclude their training sessions ahead of the Kenya Secondary Schools Sports Association (KSSSA) national Term One games in Mombasa, promises of fireworks have been made.

Rift Valley formed a formidable cast from top secondary school stars at the regional games staged in Eldoret earlier in March.

From Elgeyo Marakwet’s Kimwogo to Kiptere of Kericho and Kosirai (Nandi) and to Andersen (Trans Nzoia) as well as Sinonin, athletics heavyweights of Rift Valley, the region is sending to Mombasa squads for a blistering battle for national honours.

Athletes from Kimwogo Secondary School in Keiyo South, Elgeyo Marakwet County, are expecting to lead Rift Valley in laying yet another marker at the national championships.

Damaris Cherono, who competed in cross country and finished seventh at last year’s national games, is back, this time leading the Rift Valley charges in girls’ 3000m.

Cherono will also be taking part in the girls’ cross country. She was the winner of 3000m at the Rift Valley secondary games at the University of Eldoret.

Kimwogo’s Winnie Jepchumba will be making her debut at the national games, representing Rift Valley in 800m.

Jepchumba was third behind Judith Kemunto of Tiloa (Nakuru) and Nancy Chepngetich from Bishop Louis (Laikipia) in girls’ 800m during the Rift Valley games.

The duo will be following in the footsteps of 10km world record holder Agnes Jebet Ngetich, who won the national secondary games cross country title in 2018, a race that propelled to superstar to the global arena.

Yesterday, just days to the national contest, Kimwogo Secondary School coach Ruth Bundotich is confident of historic performances  

“The competitions at the regionals were tough and it is likely to be easier at the nationals because traditionally, qualifying to represent Rift Valley at the national games is not a mean feat,” the coach said.

“They are training in high altitude and in cold conditions, but I have prepared them psychologically for the weather changes. We have changed the time to train to help the athletes adjust to the warm conditions in Mombasa.”

Athletics stars from schools such as Kericho’s Kiptere and Lesirwo will also be featured in the national games.

Kimuron’s Emmanuel Kiprono and his schoolmate Benson Kirongozi are hoping to bag the 5000m and 3000m trophies, respectively.

Kiprono clinched victory in the 5000m event at the Rift Valley regional competitions, while Kirongozi was second behind Kiptere’s Brian Kiptoo in Eldoret.

While Kiptoo from Kiptere will be anchoring the region’s 3000m boys’ squad, Mercy Chepngeno will be eying a trophy in both the girls’ 1500m and 3000m.

Lomuke Mixed Secondary School of West Pokot will be representing Rift Valley in the boys’ 800m and 3000m steeplechase through Antony Mtai and Nicholas Kitum.

Kosirai’s High School sole representative at this year’s national games will be hoping to maintain the Nandi-based talent producer’s legacy, alive in Mombasa.

Kosirai High School Principal Paul Kosgei said the school coaches ensured their sole representative, Manasses Kiprotich, was in good form.