Kenya may not have high-performing rugby or soccer teams, but what we do have as a country are world-class runners. Cycling past Sanlitun Taikooli  the other day I spotted something epic on the Adidas store front: a giant blowup of current 800m world record holder, Olympic Gold medalist, and Kenyan national hero, David Rudisha. That’s when it fully sank in that the IAAF (International Association of Athletics Federations) is in town.

Growing up, whenever there was a major track event such as the Olympics or IAAF, the nation would come to a standstill, people glued to their TV sets. My parents always allowed me to stay up late to watch our national heroes, and I always dreamed that one day I would watch my fellow Kenyans live.

This is my moment! And nothing, not even the restrictions affecting the city, will prevent me from going to dance, scream, and cheer on the athletes from my country and around the world taking part. The wonderful thing about athletics is that it’s inclusive: even little countries without the funds to invest in state-of-the-art facilities and development programs can send some athletes to represent their country. It provides everyone a chance to don their national regalia and celebrate. The world championships are a prelude on what to expect and who to watch out for in the upcoming Olympics, so catch the rising stars in Beijing, in the flesh for a taste of what summer 2016 has in store.

This coming week August 22 – 30, head over to the National Stadium aka Bird’s Nest and join in the fun. Tickets are available for purchase on the IAAF website and online payment accepts international and local cards. The most popular events are already sold out but still it’s worth checking out. If you want to make a day of it, you can also visit the Olympic Green park, the Science and Technology museum, or the Beijing Water Cube nearby.

Photo: IAAF

In 2008, the world was introduced to the fastest man alive, Uasin Bolt at the Beijing Olympics. However he had been showing glimpses of his world record breaking habits at the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) World Championships. The eight times world champion and six times Olympic champion along with current of world record holders will be in Beijing from August 22-30 taking part in the IAAF World Championships. If you are going to be in Beijing, then this is one of those unforgettable experiences as the Bird’s Nest come alive with chants, celebrations, and just pure camaraderie.

For those who’s countries pride will be on the line then get the tickets  online at the www.iaafbeijing2015.com, which is in English and very easy to navigate. The only catch is registration will be needed but the site accepts local debit cards (some banks not all), and credit cards and international credit cards. The tickets are split into packages such as full day, single tickets such as opening and closing ceremonies, morning sessions, evening sessions, week one session, week two session, and more. The tickets are further divided according to seats: Category A (near the tracks), Category B (middle ground), and Category C (binoculars needed).

The schedule can be found online as well which makes it easier plan. Here’s a highlight of the not to miss from the Beijinger:
August 22, Friday
Morning
Men’s Marathon Finals
Men’s 100 Meters Preliminaries

Afternoon
Men’s 100 Meter Heats; Mens 10,000 Meters Final

August 23, Saturday
Afternoon
Men’s 100 Meters Final; Men’s Shot Put Final

August 24, Monday
Afternoon
Men’s Pole Vault Final; Men’s 3,000 Meters Steeplechase Final
Women’s 100 Meters Final; Women’s 10,000 Meters Final; Women’s Triple Jump Final

August 25, Tuesday
Afternoon
Men’s 400 Meters Hurdles Final; Men’s 800 Meters Final; Men’s Long Jump Final
Women’s 1,500 Meters Final; Women’s Discus Throw Final

August 26, Wednesday
Afternoon
Men’s Javelin Throw Final; Men’s 400 Meters Final
Women’s 400 Meters Hurdles Final; Women’s 3,000 Meters Steeplechase Final; Women’s Pole Vault Final

August 27, Thursday
Afternoon
Men’s 200 Meters Final; Men’s Triple Jump Final
Women’s 400 Meters; Women’s Hammer Throw Final

August 28, Friday
Afternoon
Men’s 110 Meters Hurdles Final
Women’s 200 Meters Final; Women’s 100 Meters Hurdles Final

August 29, Saturday
Afternoon
Men’s 5,000 Meters Final; Men’s Discus Throw Final; Men’s 4×100 Meters Relay Final
Women’s High Jump Final; Women’s 800 Meters Final; Women’s 4×100 Meters Relay Final

August 30, Sunday
Morning
Women’s Marathon Final

Afternoon
Men’s High Jump Final; Men’s 1,500 Meters Final; Men’s 4×400 Meters Relay Final
Women’s Javelin Throw Final; Women’s 5,000 Meters Final; Women’s 4×400 Meters Relay Final

Photo: uasinbolt.com