Former world marathon record holder Kipsang, Daniel Wanjiru to take on Mo Farah

Kenya's Wilson Kipsang crosses the finish line in the men's category of the Tokyo Marathon in Tokyo on February 26, 2017. [AFP]

Former world marathon record holder Wilson Kipsang and 2017 London Marathon winner Daniel Wanjiru will take on defending Champion Mo Farah of Britain in the second edition of London Big Half race tomorrow.

Kipsang, Wanjiru and Farah will use the race as dress rehearsal ahead of next month’s London Marathon. Last year, Farah outsprinted Wanjiru in a thrilling finish in Greenwich to win in 61 minutes and 40 seconds.

Organisers of London Marathon have also entered a rich field that includes world record holder Eliud Kipchoge, who targets a fourth race.

Wanjiru holds a half marathon personal best of 59:20 set in Prague in 2016 while Kipsang's holds 58:59 all-time mark set at the 2009 Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon.

The 36-year-old Kipsang has ran 22 marathon races in over eight years and might pull a surprise.

Kipsang, who won London Marathon in 2012 and 2014 said: "It’s great to run in London. I hope to do well because I have prepared well. It’s strong field and the level of competition will be good."

He made his marathon debut in Amsterdam and emerged victorious in a time 2:05:21 in 2017, then followed it up with victory in London Marathon the same year. Wanjiru, 26, eyes a top spot at the London Big Half on his second appearance.

Wanjiru says he is in good shape as he targets a podium finish at London Marathon after finishing eighth last year.  

“I picked up an injury during the London Marathon that forced me to slow down and finish eighth but I have recovered and I am in good shape this season,” said Wanjiru.   

The women's race is an all-British affair with all three of last year’s podium finishers returning to the meeting.

Charlotte Purdue was last year’s winner, recording 70:29 which is the 10th fastest half marathon time in British history, highlighting the 13.1-mile course from Tower Bridge to Greenwich has potential for fast times.

Runner-up Lily Partridge and third-placed Charlotte Arter are also returning while Steph Twell, who ran 2:30:11 in her debut marathon in Valencia in December, will be making her debut in the race.