Newly-crowned men's marathon Commonwealth bronze medalist Michae Githae says he is ready to burn the midnight oil and secure a slot in the Kenyan Team for next year's World Championships in Budapest.
Githae said he feels fired up by his exemplary performance at the Birmingham games, where he shook off a muscle pull to finish third in the blistering race.
Githae clocked 2:13.16 to bag bronze in the East African clean sweep where Uganda's Victor Kiplangat won gold in 2:10.55 and Tanzania's Felix Simbu settled for silver in 2:12.29.
“Winning the medal meant a lot for me and was a morale booster heading into next year's World Championships and 2024 Paris Olympic Games. I'm determined to work hard and book a slot in the team that will be traveling to Budapest next year for the global show.”
"I dedicate my win to my family and the rest of the nation. Our team performed well in the face of the numerous challenges in Birmingham,” Githae said.
The marathoner said he had faith he would make the Kenyan contingent right from the first day despite having initially been selected as a reserve runner.
The Kenyan representation was thinned out after Eric Kiptanui was disqualified from the race for an administrative error while Philemon Kacheran was disqualified by the World Athletics.
"I was always positive I would make it to the Commonwealth Games right from my first trials. Initially, I was told I was a reserve for the marathon team but two weeks before the race, I received a phone call telling me I was now in the main team.”
Githae urged budding Kenyan runners to keep their eyes on the prize by punching above their weight in training.
“They need to train hard and remain consistent. It requires a lot of dedication and hard work to attain the levels that we have already achieved on the global stage.”
Kenya secured a sixth spot finish at the Birmingham games after scooping six gold, five silver and 10 bronze.
