Yomi Omogbeja (25/03/2005)

Kenya has concluded plans to bid for the hosting of the 35th IAAF world cross country championships in 2007.

The east African nation is to contest the hosting rights with the United States and Spain.

Athletics Kenya secretary David Okeyo told reporters on arrival from the 33rd edition of the championships in St-Etienne/St-Galmier that he had brought with him bidding papers to be discussed before being submitted by a September 30 deadline.

Okeyo, a member of the International Association of Athletics Federation's (IAAF) Cross Country and Road Running Committee, expressed optimism that the country will win the bid.

"We have very high chances of winning the bid especially with the commitment the government has shown," he said.

The winner will be announced at the IAAF Council meeting in Moscow in October.

The Japanese city of Fukuoka will host the 34th edition in 2006, the first time the event is being held in Asia.