Bekele’s presence motivated me, Cherono says
Athletics
By
Stephen Rutto
| Oct 25, 2018
Two-time Amsterdam marathon champion and course record holder Lawrence Cherono said the presence of world 10000 metres record holder Kenenisa Bekele inspired to strive for victory.
Cherono, 30, won the Amsterdam Marathon in 2:04:06, breaking his own course record by more than a minute. He had set the course record last year.
Mule Wasihun of Ethiopia was close behind Cherono, finishing second, in 2:04:37, and Solomon Deksisa, also of Ethiopia, was third, in 2:04:40.
“I saw the start list and when I saw Bekele's name I knew I would be facing a seasoned athlete. He is a big name and I had to train harder to him," Cherono said after he arrived Eldoret International Airport on Tuesday.
Bekele, the pre-race favourite, dropped out of the race with a Kilometre to go after falling behind quite early. He wants to defend the title next year. "I am waiting for green light from my management."