WE’LL TALK DURING RACE: Team vows to signal each other in Beijing show on Saturday

Kenya’s men marathon squad leaves for the 15th IAAF World Athletics Championships in Beijing, China, with heads held high for the contest on Saturday.

The trio – former world marathon record holder Wilson Kipsang, world record holder Dennis Kimetto and Paris Marathon winner Mark Korir – will embrace a rather familiar but tactful approach.

They have agreed to marshal forces and stop defending champion Stephen Kiprotich and Ethiopian aggression in Beijing.

Kipsang, the 2012 London Marathon winner, said: “We will be talking during the race. I love that as it helps us control the race – when to react, step the pace or slow. That will help us dominate the race”

“We will use signs for fear that if we speak, our rivals from Uganda that has defending champion (Stephen Kiprotich), will understand our communication.

GUIDE EACH OTHER

“It will help us guide each other. Since the men marathon start on Saturday on first day and we want to inspire the team. We want to win gold, silver and bronze,” said Kipsang.

“The preparations have been good and we have laid down smart strategy, knowing too well we can beat our usual rivals from Ethiopia, who will pose strong challenge. Anyone of us has the capability of winning as long as we retain our top form,” he added.

But Mark Korir, the shy-looking Paris Marathon winner, could not rule out strong opposition from Ethiopia.

“We are training together and our decision is to run as a team in order to secure the three podium slots,” said Korir, who makes debut in national team.

“The competition in world championships is always tough. We have trained well and we are equally good. The Ethiopians are a threat but not so much,” said Korir who boasts a personal best time of 2:05.49 he set in Paris Marathon last April.

Ethiopia named world marathon silver medalist Lilisa Desisa, Yemane Tsegaye, Lemi Brhanu and Endeshwa Kasa in the men’s provisional team.

Abel Kirui struck victories in Berlin (2009) and Daegu (2011) before Uganda’s Stephen Kiprotich won in Moscow, Russia, in 2013.

 KIRWA IMPRESSED

“Personally, I will be eyeing to do well in Beijing and more important is my contribution towards the country’s glory in marathon on that day,” said Korir.

Head coach Julius Kirwa said he was impressed by the teamwork and cooperation shown by athletes in camp.

“The marathoners agreed to train as a team and I am very impressed since that has never happened. This signifies the commitment to perform well during the championships,” said Kirwa.

But Dennis Kimetto, who rose from trapping moles in Kamwosor village in Keiyo South to global fame and went on to stun the world with a jaw-dropping 2:03.57 in 42km – is itching for glory in his maiden race in national colours.