World Masters Athletics Indoor Championships trials set for Saturday at KU
The event is open to athletes aged 35 years and above.
3mon agoANGWENYI GICHANAAthletics
WORLD 10,000m silver medallist Daniel Simiu hopes to use his national cross-country success as motivation in the hunt for a podium finish at the Seoul Marathon, South Korea, on March 16.
The 29-year-old made his marathon debut at the Chicago Marathon on October 13 last year, where he finished fifth in 2:06:04.
The race was won by John Korir (2:02:44) followed by Mohamed Esa (2:04:39) and Amos Kipruto (2:04:50) on the podium.
“My target is to secure a podium finish. I feel confident heading into the race,” Simiu said.
He won the 10km race at the national cross country championships last weekend, timing 30:48.0 ahead of Nickson Kogei (30:52.6) and Simon Mungai (30:55.7).
“Winning the national cross country was part of my preparation for next month’s marathon,” Simiu said. He was using the race to test his speed and fitness ahead of the Seoul showdown.
The contest was no walk in the park, with Simiu battling a stacked field, including 2020 winner Kibiwott Kandie.
The two set a blistering pace early but Kandie faded, finishing sixth in 31:04.4.
“The pace was tough and the competition was fierce but there always has to be a winner. I thank God I was able to prevail and win,” Simiu remarked.
Before his national triumph, he had stamped his authority at the National Police Service Championships, winning in 29:51.6.
Simiu, 2022 Commonwealth Games 10,000m silver medallist, has opted out of the Sirikwa Classic title defence on February 22 to focus on Seou.
