Ahead of the New York marathon on November 7, Albert Korir has been running at least 180km per week to improve on his second place finish at the last edition in 2019.
Korir has been out of competition since then and believes he will have to be at his best if he is to achieve his target for a podium finish.
“Training for such a marathon is not easy. Remember I have not run for long because after New York in November 2019, I competed at the Eldoret City marathon finishing 10th meaning I have a big challenge ahead,” the 2014 Kass Marathon winner said.
Considering it is one of the World Majors' six competitions, the New York marathon is expected to attract a stellar start list consisting of the who-is-who in the road races.
Korir, who finished second to former world Half Marathon record holder Geoffrey Kamworor in 2019, says he's fully aware of this fact and is upping the ante in his training.
“I have been out of competition for a long time and heading to New York City, I need to be on the podium. As much as I want to win the race, it will be one of the most competitive ones now that many athletes have been out of competition for a long time," he said.
Korir himself boasts a decorated CV as a road runner having emerged tops in Vienna (2017), Ottawa (2019) and Houston marathons, in addition to second place finishes in Cape Town, Lake Biwa in 2018 and a third place finish in Luboya Marathon.
It is on the backdrop of this vast experience that the man from Kapkitony village in Elgeyo Marakwet county, who boasts a personal best of 2:08:06, has set lofty ambitions for himself.
"My expectations are high with the aim of reaching high standards in the race. I don’t want to force myself, burning my chest so hard but I will do what my body will be prepared for,” he said.
