Robert Kipkosgei is banking on his extensive training in a bid to lower his personal best time of 2:29:00 at the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon slated for October 30.
The marathoner added that finishing among the top 10 will be a priority.
“I just want to run under 2:13 and finish in the top 10. So far so good in training and I hope to be on top form on D-day," he said
Kipkosgei has not participated in a major race since 2019 owing to Covid-19 which forced the postponement of his target then, the 2020 Vienna Marathon.
An injury limited Kipkosgei to 56th place at this year's Eldoret City Marathon in April. He added that he was also supposed to participate at the Columbus Marathon on October 16 but could not hack due to a visa hitch.
“Covid has really hampered my career since 2019. This is the time for me to redeem myself because the injury is behind me," said Kipkosgei.
At the 2018 London Marathon, Kipkosgei paced the women’s race.
Kipkosgei narrated how his career in athletics has not been a walk in the park and he advised upcoming athletes not to give up as they are bound to face many challenges.
Kipkosgei had to train for seven years (2010-2017) before he finally managed got a chance to participate in his first-ever international marathon—the 2017 Malago Marathon in Spain—where he placed 10th in 2:31:54.
“Athletics is not easy! I remember I trained for seven years before getting a chance to compete abroad. As a young athlete, one has to be patient because such opportunities don’t come easily,” he concluded.
