Former world marathon record holder Brigid Kosgei headlines the women's elite field at Sunday's Lisbon Half Marathon.
Kosgei is sharpening up for the London Marathon in April.
In 2018, Kosgei clocked 2:18:35 to clinch her first marathon win at the Chicago Marathon.
The following year, she made history by defending her crown in a new world record of 2:14:04, beating Paula Radcliffe’s 16-year-old mark by 81 seconds.
She shattered the half marathon world record at the Great North Run, England, in 1:04:28, 23 seconds faster than Joyciline Jepkosgei's mark.
Kosgei conquered the 2019 London marathon in 2:18:20, securing the third-fastest women’s time ever and becoming the youngest victor at the event.
The following year, she defended her title in 2:18:58.
Kosgei claimed the Olympic silver in Tokyo in 2020 in 2:27:36 behind compatriot Peres Jepchirchir (2:27:20).
In Lisbon, Kosgei will be joined by compatriot Betty Chepkemoi, the Nelson Mandela Bay Half Marathon champion.
The Ethiopian squad, led by 2020 Tokyo Olympics 1,500m Paralympics champion Tigist Mengistu and Bosena Mulatie, promises stiff competition for the Kenyan duo.
In the men’s race, eyes will be on 2016 Madrid Half Marathon champion Abraham Kiptum, fresh from a four-year doping ban.
He faces tough competition from Ethiopians Solomon Berihu and Dinkalem Ayele.
Meanwhile, Barnaba Kiptum, Beatrice Cheptoo and Ruth Chebitok seek glory at Sunday's New Taipei Marathon in China.
Elsewhere, Shanghai Marathon champion Philemon Kiptoo leads Joel Kemboi, Laban Korir and Solomon Kirwa to the Seoul Marathon in South Korea.
