Serem ready for senior Steeplechase test

World Under-20 3000m steeplechase champion Amos Serem is confident of a seamless transition to the senior category as he looks to continue his dominant performance in 'Kenya's race' the steeplechase. 

On the weekend, Serem, who has been touted as the next big thing in Kenya's steeplechase running took part in his first 10km cross country race in home soil, finishing 28th in 32.03. 

The competitive race won by fast-rising Samuel Chebolei who is walking in the footsteps of his elder brother 2014 Commonwealth 1500m silver medalist Ronald Kwemoi, tested athletes mettle but Serem was impressed with the time he managed. 

"This was a good race and a befitting induction to local cross country racing. With the competition from talented cross country runners, I am impressed by my time although I know I can do better. 

However, the aim here was not to win but work on my endurance and improve my milage," said Serem who admitted that the senior races are tough and he would need to be at his best to remain competitive. 

In January, the youngester finished third in the the 65th edition of the Campaccio in San Giorgio su Legnano race, in Italy. This was his first cross country race. He won a very close sprint for third place in 28:53, holding off another Kenyan Vincent Too. 

Days later, he was in action at the Cross Internacional Juan Muguerz gold meeting in Elgoibar where he faced off with among others Olympian Nicholas Kimeli ,finishing seventh in 35:19. 

"I am still a 3000m steeplechase athlete, that is my race. I competed in the first Athletics Kenya (AK) meeting at Nyayo and won and I am heading to Kisumu for the next event. At the moment I do not have any international races planned for but my focus is making Team Kenya to the World Championships. It will be no easy task hence the early preparations," added Serem.