Chepkoech to launch track season at China's Shanghai Diamond League

NAIROBI, March 29 (Xinhua) -- world 3,000m steeplechase record holder Beatrice Chepkoech will lead a galaxy of Kenyan and international stars for the Shanghai Diamond League meeting in China on May 18.

Chepkoech, who is in Denmark with the Kenya team for the world Cross Country Championships on Saturday, said her main target this year is to improve her mark and also to win the world Championships in Qatar.

"I have come close to winning the world title, but failed. Now I hope in 2019, I will be able to dominate the water and hurdle race and go on to win gold in Doha. For now the start in Shanghai will be a great challenge for me because all athletes will be coming off the recess and ready to gauge their ability. Am happy the cross country will give me the endurance and stamina to propel me throughout the season," said Chepkoech in an interview on Friday.

Chepkoech is using the cross country event as a buildup to her season where she will be participating in the Diamond League series and later the world Championships in Doha, Qatar.

She will team up with world 5,000m champion Hellen Obiri, Silvia Mutai, Deborah Samum, Eva Cherono and Lilian Kasait as they seek to retain the senior women's title in the world Cross event in Denmark.

Last year, Chepkoech won silver in 1,500om behind Caster Semenya at the Commonwealth Games before winning the Africa Championships 3,000m steeplechase gold in Asaba, Nigeria.

Chepkoech holds the 3,000m steeplechase world record of 8:44.32, which she set up in the IAAF Diamond League in Monaco lowering Ruth Jebet's previous time by eight seconds.

The 2019 Shanghai Diamond League meeting will showcase 16 international events, nine for men and seven for women.