World champ Obiri returns to Milan to defend Campaccio cross country title

NAIROBI, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- With focus on World Indoor Championships, Olympic 5,000m silver medalist Helen Obiri has confirmed she will compete at the Campaccio cross country meeting in Milan on January 6, 2018.

Obiri, who is the defending champion of the race, is keen to use the race as a gauge of her endurance as she returns back to competition after a long recess.

The Kenyan distance runner was the winner of gold medal at the World Championships in London in August to add to her silver medal win in Rio Olympics.

"I have a huge shoe to fill since the transition of Vivian Cheruiyot to marathon. I have the stamina and focus to battle Ethiopian opposition or any other athletes," she said on Wednesday.

The Campaccio meeting is part of the IAAF Permit Cross Country competitions. It is one of most ancient cross country races in Europe.

Obiri is focused on reclaiming her 3,000m world indoor title when the championships are held in Birmingham City in England in March.

"I want to reclaim my title. I will not overwork myself to compete at Africa cross country championships and world indoor championships. Kenya has many athletes and focusing on one event is important to give it your best shot," she said. Enditem