Former London Marathon champion Joyciline Jepkosgei is hoping to use the remaining cross-country season for build-up ahead of her marathon season next year.
However, first things first for Jepkosgei, who confirmed the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Cross country Championships will kick off her campaign for the 2023 season.
Speaking in Iten, the former New York City Marathon champion said she hopes 2023 will be a great year for her after failing to defend her London Marathon this year. Jepkosgei placed second behind Ethiopian Yalemzerf Yehualaw in London in October.
With the KDF Cross Country Championships set for January 6, the former World Half Marathon record holder said she will use the cross country season to improve her endurance.
“Cross-country running helps with endurance and I can’t wait for the Armed Forces Championships and other events. It will also help in speed work as I kick off my season,” said Jepkosgei.
With Athletics Kenya having already selected a team for the World Cross Country Championships in Bathurst, Jepkosgei said her bid is purely for build-up purposes.
The Iten-based runner, who specialises in marathon running took a break after missing her London Marathon title defence but has since resumed training.
“After London, I took a break to rest and the KDF Cross Country Championships will be my first race. I want to post good results this being my first event of the year,” she added.
Apart from the marathon victories, she is also the reigning World Half Marathon silver medalist after finishing behind Peres Jepchirchir. She also has bronze in the 10,000m, which she won during the 2016 Africa Senior championships in Durban, South Africa.
