Marathon team prepares in Iten

By Joseph Ngure

As the clock ticks fast ahead of the London Olympic Games, the marathon team in the North Rift has intensified training in the high altitude town of Iten.

The team, under the watchful eye of marathon coach David Letting, is not leaving anything to chance considering that the world would be keen to beat Kenyans in the distance.

On Monday, the team did normal training in Iten and will be doing long aerobic runs starting near Nangili Market off Eldoret-Kitale Road in Uasin Gishu Plateau.

“The team has intensified training as from this week. We are now counting days and the final preparation is very important to us,” said Letting from the team’s training base in Iten.

The team of Abel Kirui, Wilson Kipsang and Emmanuel Mutai (men) and Edna Kiplagat, Mary Keitany and Prisca Jeptoo (women) are also residing at a hotel in Iten, which makes their training even much easier.

The coach, who declined to give more details, said the team is using different terrains for the preparation including the scenic Flourspur in the Kerio Valley for endurance.

“All is fine with us. We have everything we need. We are using different venues to ensure the tea will be at its best during the games. I cannot say more,” added the tactician.

The marathon team has been described as the best ever selected for such an important event and the expectations from Kenyans are sky high.

Beijing Olympian and former marathon champion Martin Lel predicted better results this year saying the team has championship runners.

“Although I missed the team to the London Olympics, I am happy we have strong members in the squad. It is the best team and we are keeping our fingers crossed. They have our blessing,” said the three-time London Marathon champion who finished sixth in Bejing in 2008.

 Lel, who has also managed two second place finishes at London Marathon (2011 and 2012) was omitted from the national Olympic team because he was not in the provisional team named by Athletics Kenya.

 The team named is, however, formidable and are tipped to rule in London.