Marathon team promises to strike glory in Rio Games

FROM LEFT: Eliud Kipchoge, Wesley Korir and Ugandan Stephen Kiprotich train yesterday in Moiben, Uasin Gishu County. INSET: Stanley Biwott. [PHOTOS: DENNIS OKEYO/STANDARD]

The men’s marathon team is hoping to end the gold drought at Rio Olympics as the national stars continue with intensive training.

Led by the front-running and reigning London Marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge, team Kenya have their work cut out in trying to reclaim the Olympics gold medal, last won by the late Samuel Wanjiru in the 1998 Beijing Olympics.

The team is currently training in Kaptagat, Uasin Gishu County, ahead of their departure to Brazil.

The team that includes 2016 London Marathon second finisher Stanley Biwott and former Boston Marathon champion and Cherangany MP Wesley Korir did their last long run at the hilly area of Moiben yesterday.

Biwott, who is making his debut in the national team, is excited to finally represent his nation and is looking forward to a great competition.

“I’m happy to finally represent Kenya. It has been my dream. The team is doing well. My body is responding well and is in good shape. I’m ready for the race. We are going to work as a team to make sure we bring gold to Kenya. The country should pray for us,” said Biwott, a father of two, Rooney Kiptoo and Abigael Chepkoech

Though the team is training alongside the reigning Olympics marathon champion Stephen Kiprotich of Uganda, they seem not bothered by his presence, according to Biwott.

“We train together, we are friends but during competition, the shape of an individual will determine who wins the race. We have no problem training with other people from other countries, “ Biwott said.

With just two weeks before the team departs, the marathon head coach Richard Kimetto is confident that his charges will perform well with their eyes pegged on the elusive gold medal.

“The boys are ready. From my observation, they are at 75 to 85 per cent ready for championship. It’s a very strong team and discipline is high.

“We expect good performance in Rio,” said Kimetto who also coached the marathon team to the 2013 World Championship in Moscow.

Kipchoge, Kenya’s most consistent runner in recent times having won numerous medals along the way on track and road running, is hopeful for a podium finish in Rio.

“The adrenaline levels are rising as the day of competition nears. If success is my goal then winning a gold is not an option but it is a necessity for me. I have prepared well,” Kipchoge said.

 

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