Out to expand trophy cabinet: Kenyans eye top honours at Frankfurt Marathon next week

Athletics - Women's 5000m Final 2016 Rio Olympics - Athletics - Final - Women's 5000m Final - Olympic Stadium - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil - 19/08/2016. Vivian Cheruiyot (KEN) of Kenya celebrates. REUTERS/Dominic Ebenbichler FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY. NOT FOR SALE FOR MARKETING OR ADVERTISING CAMPAIGNS.

Vivian becomes the first Olympic champ in race

Olympic 5,000m champion Vivian Cheruiyot and 2016 Paris Marathon winner Cyprian Kotut headline the 26th Frankfurt Marathon contest next week on Sunday.

Vivian, fourth-placed in 2:23.50 at the London Marathon last April, seeks her maiden marathon victory having ruled the roost since 1998 when she first made the national team.

She is fresh from finishing second behind Mary Keitany at the Great North 21km Run.

“I am so prepared for the race. My training has been good and I hope to win my first marathon,” Vivian said.

Immediately after she graduated to marathon, Vivian won the Great North 21km in what signaled her might in road running after her success on tracks –just like Olympic marathon winner Eliud Kipchoge, who has impressed in marathons after 18 years on track.

She has impeccable credentials that include Rio title and five World Championships gold medals.

After an extraordinary career on the track the 34-year-old hopes to excel in marathon. "I am looking forward to running the second marathon of my career in Frankfurt," Vivian said.

“I’ve heard very good things about the Frankfurt organisation, atmosphere and course from some of my friends and training partners who have won there before. I saw some photos of the red carpet at the finish line and I hope I will be smiling when I cross the finish line on Sunday next week."

In addition to the prize pot, organizers are offering a Sh4.1m (€30,000) course record bonus. It currently stands at 2:21:01, set five years ago by Ethiopian Meselech Melkamu.

But Kotut, the younger brother of London Marathon winner Martin Lel, is out to step out of his brother’s shadows.

“My preparation for the race is okay as I am fit enough for it. I want to challenge my personal best. I know there will be serious competitors like Mark Korir among others but I will have to do my best,” he said.

Kotut said he has had enough experience as he prepares for his fourth marathon.

“I think such experience is helpful. Right now, I am going on well and I am 70 per cent ready,” said the 25-year-old Kotut, who has 2:07.13 personal best. His other sibling Fredrick Keter, a sub 2:09 marathoner, and a sister are athletes.