IT'S A DO-OR-DIE: Stars' set for big clash in Dutch port city tomorrow

[PHOTO: COURTESY]

Fireworks is expected when Rotterdam Marathon gets underway in the Dutch’s second biggest city tomorrow morning.

The contest certainly whets fans’ appetite ahead of Boston and London marathons –two of the six World Marathon Majors series races –and which would see Athletics Kenya use as a yard stick to pick national squad to the IAAF World Athletics Championships in London on August 4-12.

Paul Kipsiele Koech, the third fastest steeplechaser in history with 7:54.31, makes his maiden appearance in marathon.

The 35-year-old Kipsiele retired last September after the final leg of the IAAF Diamond League meeting in Brussels, Belgium, having competed 67 international races.

Although he hasn’t competed in even 5,000m, except for 2012 where he posted 13:02.69, Kipsiele will duck it out with 12 men who have run under 2:10 and four sub 2:06 in the line up.

Marius Kimutai (2:05:47), Laban Korir, (2:05:54 ), and Festus Talam (2:06:26) and throw in Lucas Rotich (2:07.17), the New York City Marathon runner-up.

Ethiopia’s Abera Kuma (2:05:56) returns to Rotterdam Marathon after his victory in 2015.

There is also Toronto Marathon winner Philemon Rono, and Nicholas Rotich, who will do the pace setting.

Laban Korir, who was fourth in 2:05:54 in Amsterdam Marathon last October, said team work will help them improve on their performances in marathon.

“We as a whole team profit from training with reputed marathoners like Eliud Kipchoge and the launch of NN Group and Global Sports Communications partnership here is good.

“We learn from Eliud Kipchoge tips on how to invest our money and when he won London Marathon, he inspired to go for glory. I like his professional advise and the experience in training,” he said.

Rotich, who comes from Kapsoiyo Village in Elgeyo Marakwet County, carries his 2:07.17 best mark set in Hamburg Marathon in Germany in 2015 to the starting line.

“I am ready for the race. I just need a good weather on Sunday,” said Rotich, who was a classmate of world 800m record holder David Rudisha at Kimuron Secondary School in Keiyo North.

But he has Rono, a versatile runner who posted 2:07.20 in his third appearance at Hamburg Marathon, to content with.

“We have trained well with Eliud Kipchoge (the Olympic marathon champion) in Kaptagat. I am in good shape and hope to perform well,” said Rono, who stormed into limelight while a student at Kapcherop Secondary School in Elgeyo Marakwet County in 2009.

Talam has only raced Eindhoven Marathon in The Netherlands winning in 2:06:26 in his 42km debut.

There is marathon maestro Emmanuel Mutai, the 2009 world silver medallist, in the line up.

Lucy Karimi, the 2016 Prague Marathon champion, leads the women’s charges with her 2:24:46, set in her winning effort in the Czech Republic last year.

Karimi, 42, has competed in 14 marathons since 2002 and has four sub-2:30 performances in the past two years.

Bahrain’s Eunice Chumba, 23, poses a threat as she has run six marathons with impressive results in five marathons.

UTITLITY BOX

Men

12 men under 2:10 and four sub 2:06

Paul Kipsiele Koech debut with 7:54.31 in steeplechase

Abdi Nageeye (2:10.24) leads Dutch athletes

Women

Lucy Karimi: At 42, oldest elite athlete in line up

Eunice Chumba holds Bahraini 21km national record of 68.48