Catherine Reline will compete at the Copenhagen Half Marathon on September 15 after failing to earn a ticket to the Paris Olympic Games.
Speaking after winning the fourth edition of the Moi Kapsowar Girls’ Charity and Conservation Half Marathon on Saturday, Reline said she missed the slot due to a lack of proper preparations ahead of the race.
The World Half Marathon bronze medallist said the invite to compete in the 10,000m at the Prefontaine Classic in Oregon, USA, found her unprepared.
“We got the message too late and we had little time to train for the trials. Despite travelling for the show, I was not ready,” she noted.
Reline, who trains at Kapsait, finished in seventh position in a race won by double world cross-country champion Beatrice Chebet in a world record time of 28:54.14. She said she is ready to compete at the Copenhagen Half Marathon as part of her preparations for a full marathon next year.
“I want to run at the Copenhagen Half Marathon in preparation for the full marathon in 2025. I have tested myself and I believe I have what it takes to feature in the 42km distance,” she said.
As she prepares to venture into the full marathon, Reline said training with former world marathon record holder Brigid Kosgei, Vivian Kosgei and Judith Korir among others in her camp has motivated her to increase the distance.
“I normally train with my seniors and run up to 30km. I want to build upon this come next year and run the marathon. If my training -mates are doing it, why not me? I believe I have the potential to shine,” she said.
On Saturday, Reline clocked 71:40.0 to stun the former Frankfurt Marathon champion Valary Jemeli Aiyabei to second place at the Moi Kapsowar Girls’ Charity and Conservation race.
Aiyabei ran 71:56.4 for second place while Madrid Half Marathon champion Naomi Jebet came in third in 72:04.6.
James Kipkoech won the men’s race in 1:2:02. Kipkoech finished second last year in the 10km before upgrading to half marathon this year.
West Pokot’s Kalibus Lomwai placed second in 1:03.31 with former World Half Marathon record holder Abraham Kiptum third in 1:03:40.
“The race was tough in the first 10km but after that point, my body started responding well. I am happy I have won this time after finishing second in 10km last year,” said Kipkoech.
