Kiprotich, Leboo eyeing glory at Eldoret City Marathon

Athlete Justus Kiprotich (right) training for Eldoret City Marathon in his Kapkitony base on Friday. [Stephen Rutto, Standard]

Athletics stars who have already confirmed their participation in the fifth edition of Eldoret City Marathon are eyeing top places.

They are coming to the streets of Eldoret to write history, and ultimately walk back home with prize money.

On Saturday, a number of athletes getting ready for the Eldoret showpiece intensified training, just seven days to the contest.

Justus Kiprotich, the 2018 Munster Marathon winner told Standard Sport that he was preparing to write history at the Sunday April 21 race.

Kiprotich, 27, trains with back-to-back Frankfurt Marathon winner Brimin Misoi and former New York City Marathon champion Albert Korir in Kapkitony, Elgeyo Marakwet County.

“Eldoret City Marathon is my first race this year and I want to give it my best. I know that many experienced and upcoming athletes are training for the race and it will be tough. I have trained harder and hope for a good result,” said Kiprotich.

The marathoner said training with some of the world’s best long distance athletes has challenged him to train harder while aiming for fast times.

“I will be lining up in an international race in either October or November and I will be using the Eldoret City Marathon to gauge my form.

“A number of my training mates in Kapkitony are also preparing to compete in Eldoret. Many of them are looking to showcase their talents,” Kiprotich who placed third at the 2017 Barcelona Marathon said.

Moris Leboo, an upcoming marathoner said he is coming to Eldoret with a lofty dream, to be among the top ten in the men’s 42km race. He trains in Narok and Kajiado.

Leboo, 25, yesterday said he was well prepared for the tough challenge from road racers on the streets of The City of Champions.

“This my debut Eldoret City Marathon race and I am excited. My preparations are going on well and I feel that I am in top form and ready. I hope to shine in Eldoret.

“If I make it in Eldoret, I will have inspired many upcoming long distance runners from Narok, my home county,” said Leboo.

The upcoming marathoner said he will be preparing for the 2024 Nairobi City Marathon after the Eldoret showdown.

On Wednesday, race promoter Gladys Boss Shollei toured a number of training camps in Uasin Gishu and Elgeyo Marakwet and identified athletes who would benefit from her Adopt an Athlete initiative. Under the plan, potential upcoming participants would be supported to register for the 2024 edition.

Athletics enthusiasts will take part in the race’s 10km fun run.

Race Director Moses Tanui said retired athletes will take charge of a number of the race’s technical aspects before and during the competition.

“Retired athletes will be on board because this will be their way of giving back to the younger and active runners,” the two-time Boston Marathon champion said on Thursday.

This year’s marathon will start near Highlands Inn Hotel and the finish line will be adjacent to TAC Centre grounds, near the start.