Two-time world marathon champion Abel Kirui will highlight the Kigali International Peace Marathon next month in Kigali, Rwanda.
The 2016 Chicago Marathon champion is training hard for the 19th edition of the annual race on June 9.
Kirui, who finished eighth at the December 3 Fukuoka Marathon in 2:08:36, said: “My form is at the top and I want to run well in Kigali and bring home the title.”
Kirui, the 2012 Olympic Games marathon silver medallist, added: “It has been a while since I won a race but with my preparations, I am sure I won’t miss the podium.”
Kirui, the 2009 and 2011 world marathon champion and who has been competing in road races for the last 19 years, is keen on improving his time.
“I am the longest-serving marathoner in Kenya. I am going to the race not just to compete but to empower the young people. I want them to know they can run at the top for a long time, just as I have been,” he said.
Kirui’s mission this year was to represent Kenya at the Paris Olympics but after it came a cropper, he has vowed to hit the roads elsewhere.
“I had ambitions of running at the Paris Olympic Games but since I did not get the chance, I will focus on other races. I still have a long journey in the marathon. The Olympic Games are a huge opportunity for any athlete and for those selected in Team Kenya, please strive to get medals — that is why you are there. This is an opportunity of a lifetime,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kenyans have dominated the Rwandese race and, led by George Onyancha, clinched the top 11 positions last year.
Onyancha won the title in 2:17:41 as Silas Kiprotich and David Kipkorir timed respective times of 2:18:11 and 2:18:43 to win the silver and bronze medals respectively.
John Mwangangi (2:18:49) was 4th followed by 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), Ken Kipleting (2:21:04).
In the women’s category, Kenyan Sharon Cherop finished second behind Ethiopian Tsege Muhalabt in 2:36:06 and 2:35:17 while another Ethiopian, Jemal Feyza, was third in 2:47:13.
Kenyan Winfridah Moseti won the half marathon title in 1:12:40 ahead of compatriots Lilian Kipkemboi (1:13:36) and Susan Aramis (1:14:33).
In men’s 21km, John Mburu finished second in 1:03:54 behind Ugandan Kennedy Kipyeko (1:03:52) and Evans Kipkorir (1:04:12).
