Fresh from winning 10,000m silver at the just concluded Commonwealth Games 10,000m, Irene Chepet Cheptai has officially quit track to focus on her road running.
The former world cross country said that track has become difficult for her and a silver at the Commonwealth Games was a good way of quitting track on a high.
Speaking in her Iten home in Elgeyo Marakwet county after a 26-km morning run, Cheptai said she will be focusing on the roads but will debut her first marathon next year.
“ I have competed in many road races including half marathons, 10km, and 5km but I have never run a marathon. I want to start the marathon on a high note,” she added.
“I have had good days on track and it is high time I venture into road races in the future. The 10,000m at Commonwealth Games was my last track event and I am happy I signed off on a high note,” said Cheptai.
She said she is preparing to run in Prague 10km Road Race next month in the Czech Republic, where she hopes to finish on the podium.
This she said will serve as a build-up for her marathon debut next year.
“It has been a good season for me and I want to run a good race next month. I have been here before, having finished fourth in 2019. What I need is to finish on the podium come that day. I don’t know my competitors but with my current training, I am sure I can prevail in any situation,” added Cheptai.
The reigning New York City Half Marathon silver medalist finished second in 30:49.52 at the Commonwealth Games behind champion Eilish McColgan from Scotland who won gold in a championship record of 30:48.60 as Sheila Chepkirui won bronze in 31:09.58 for bronze.
The 2008 world cross country junior silver medallist placed 7th in 10,000m at the Tokyo Olympic Games.
Meanwhile. two-time world and Olympic champion Faith Kipyegon is among the top athletes who have confirmed participation in Lausanne Diamond League on August 26. Kipyegon missed the world 1,500m record by 0.3 seconds, returning 3:50.37 during the Monaco Diamond League. Faith will be up against world 1,500m silver medalist Gudaf Tsegay and bronze medalist Laura Muir. This time, Kipyegon will also be competing in the 5000m race alongside Gloria Kite, Mercy Cherono, and Margaret Chelimo. Others expected in the race are world 10,000m champion Letesenbet Gidey, world 5000m bronze medalist Dawit Seyaum and Gudaf Tsegay all from Ethiopia and Sifan Hassan.
