Kenya: Kiptoo And Kirui Named in Team for World Championships

Nairobi Star (Nairobi)

William Njuguna

18 May 2011

ATHLETICS Kenya (AK) have named a seven man marathon squad to represent the country at the August’s World Championship in Daegu, South Korea.

Benjamin Kiptoo, who won the Paris Marathon in a time of 2:06:31, leads the charge for the event, alongside Vincent Kipruto, who was placed second in Rotterdam Marathon in 2:05:33. World champion Abel Kirui has also been drafted in the squad by virtue of being the defending champion.

In the women’s category, Sharon Cherop will lead the women’s charge after finishing third at the Boston Marathon in 2:22:42. She will be joined by Paris marathon champion Priscah Jeptoo (2:22:55) and Rotterdam Marathon champion Philes Ongori (2:24:20). Joining the squad is Caroline Rotich, who was placed fourth in Boston in a time of 2:24:26.

Last year’s New York Marathon champion Edna Kiplagat has also been included in the team but her participation is subject to a written confirmation from her or her agent. AK secretary general David Okeyo said if Kiplagat doesn’t confirm her position by Friday, they will have no choice but to replace her.

Okeyo said they will name the two other athletes in the men’s category on Friday. “We will have to meet as the executive committee to fill in the two positions which are vacant. We have a large pool of marathoners to choose from and there should be no cause for alarm,” he added.

Okeyo said most of the elite marathoners, who had earlier been named in the provisional squad, pulled out citing various reasons. Boston champion Geoffrey Mutai declined a place in the team citing fatigue and other commitments. Moses Mosop, who finished second in Boston opted out, citing humidity at the course in Daegu as the reason for his withdrawal.

Three-time London Marathon champion Martin Lel pulled out of the event, citing persistent leg injury in the last couple of years and fatigue from running in London.

London Marathon champion Emmanuel Mutai said he has plans to race elsewhere. However, Okeyo wasn’t happy with Mutai’s reasons for withdrawal. “Mutai’s agent knew we name our marathon team in April after the big city marathons and I don’t know why Mutai opted for alternative race,” said Okeyo. The 2010 Boston champion Robert Cheruiyot, Rotterdam champion Wilson Chebet and Patrick also cited fatique as their reason for withdrawal.

In the women’s category, Boston marathon champion Caroline Kilel has been locked out with a knee injury while Lydia Cheromei needs a longer recovery period after winning in Prague last month. The same sentiments were shared by Alice Timbilil.

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