•The 2016 Chicago Marathon champion said he is holed up in intensive training ahead of the 19th edition of the annual race set for June 9 in Rwanda’s capital city.
•The race has been dominated by Kenyans, including last year when they occupied the top 11 positions with George Onyancha winning the title in 2:17.41.
Image: EMMAB UEL SABUNI
The double world marathon champion Abel Kirui will highlight the Kigali International Peace next month in Rwanda.
The 2016 Chicago Marathon champion said he is holed up in intensive training ahead of the 19th edition of the annual race set for June 9 in Rwanda’s capital city.
Kirui, who finished eighth at the Fukuoka Marathon in 2:08.36, said his preparations are on course ahead of the race that is less than a month away.
“Right now, I am enjoying top form and want to be competitive at the Kigali International Peace Marathon and come home with a victory,” said Kirui.
Kirui, also the 2012 Olympic Games marathon silver medalist, said it is long since he won a race and he wants to make that a reality in Rwanda.
“It has been a while since I won in a race but I am confident of making a podium finish in Rwanda,” he said.
Kirui, the 2009 and 2011 world marathon champion, has been competing in road races for the last 19 years. He said the top of his agenda is to improve his time this year.
“You know I am the longest-serving marathoner and I am headed to Kigali not just to make up the number but as a serious contender for the title. I want to serve as an example to young people that they can run well and for a very long time just the way I have been doing,” he said.
The race has been dominated by Kenyans in the past, including last year when they occupied the top 11 positions with George Onyancha winning the title in 2:17.41. Silas Kiprotich (2:18.11) was second while David Kipkorir clocked 2:18.43 for third position.
John Mwangangi (2:18.49) Langat Kipkurui (2:19.29), Thomas Choge (2:19.46), Justus Kipkorir (2:20.12), James Cherutich (2:20.54), Felix Kipkorir (2:20.56) and Ken Kipleting (2:21.04) followed in that order.
In the women's category, Kenyan Sharon Cherop finished second (2:36.06) behind Ethiopia’s Tsege Muhalabt (2:35.17) who won the race. Another Ethiopian Jemal Feyza was third in 2:47.13.
In the half marathon, Kenyan Winfridah Moseti won the title in 1:12.40 ahead of compatriots Lilian Kipkemboi (1:13.36) and Susan Aramisi in a podium sweep.
The men’s category saw John Mburu finish second in 1:03.54, behind Ugandan Kennedy Kipyeko (1:03.52) and Kenyan Evans Kipkorir (1:04.12).
After failing in his mission to make the Olympic Marathon slot, Kirui has vowed to focus on other assignments.
“I had ambitions of running at the Paris Olympic Games but since I did not get the position, I still have the long journey in marathons. The Olympic Games are a huge opportunity for any athlete and for those selected in Team Kenya, please strive to get medals because that is why you are there. This is an opportunity of a lifetime,” he said.