Kenyans start chase for marathon gold

Kenyan marathon team to 2022 Commonwealth Games from left Eric Kiptanui, Margaret Wangari, maurine Chepkemoi, Purity Changwony, Michael Githae, Stella Barsosio, Jonathan Korir and Philemon Kacheran in Eldoret yesterday. [Stephen Rutto, Standard]

After an underwhelming performance at the World Championships in Oregon that saw Kenya finish fourth in the medal standings, the marathon squad will start the country's medal hunt at the the Commonwealth Games today with hope for a good show.

The Club Games provides a chance for the athletes to redeem the country's image as an athletics global powerhouse.

The marathon team will be seeking to exorcise the ghosts that saw the country fail to finish in the podium at the 2018 Gold Coast Games.

2021 Amsterdam Marathon champion Jonathan Korir headlines the men's squad alongside Eric Kiptanui and Michael Githae.

Korir, who trains with the world record holder Eliud Kipchoge at Global Sports Communication camp in Kaptagat has personal best time of 2:04:32.

He will be a front runner for medal positions while Kiptanui has a best of 2:05:47 with Githae boasting of a best of 2:07:51 from the 2021 Fukuoka Marathon.

Kenya is seeking a second marathon gold in the Commonwealth Games after John Ekiru Kelai won at the 2010 edition in Delhi, India.

The women team is led by Margaret Wangari. [