Former Olympic marathon silver medalist Abel Kirui is readying himself to dance again at this year’s Hamburg Marathon set for April 28th in Germany.
The police inspector has been in the world of marathon and said he will be starting his 2019 season on high as he faces other top runners at the annual race that has been dominated by Kenyan arch-rivals Ethiopians.
The two time world marathon champion, who registered back to back IAAF world marathon titles in 2009 and 2011 said he has set focus to win the title as he sets eyes on world championships..
“I am fit for the title chase in Germany. I have had a good training since joining Global Sports Communication and improved on my skills,” said the Kapsabet born runner.
The 2012 London Olympics marathon silver medalist failed to defend his Chicago marathon title last year following his win in 2016, with 2017 title going to home boy Galen Rupp before four time Olympic champion Mo Farah winning in 2018.
“The trainin g has been going on well under the guidance of our able coaches at the camp. Training mates, who have also motivated me to go for the title,” added Kirui who trains alongside world marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge (2:01.39), former New York marathon champion Geoffrey Kamworor, two time Toronto marathon winner Philemon Rono, 2012 Olympic marathon champion Stephen Kiprotich among top athletes.
The 2008 Vienna marathon winner suffered a knee injury that kept him off from competition for about three years and on his return, he won Chicago marathon in 2:11.23 as he plans to bring back Kenyan glory in Hamburg.
“It will good if I win the title to bring back Kenyan glory after Ethiopian dominance.. it will be my time to shine again,” added the Samitui primary school alumnus.
The man who started his career as a pacesetter also finished second at the 2007 Berlin marathon, third at 2009 Rotterdam marathon, went ahead to win 2007 Paderborn half marathon and finished 4th at 2010 London marathon.
Lucas Rotich is the latest Kenyan winner of the race in 2015 and Ethiopians took over with Solomon Deksisa as the reigning champion.
Other kenyan winners include Kipchoge who holds the course record at 2:05.30 set in 2013 as Wilfred Kigen (2010) in 2:09.22, David Mandago in 2008 (2:07.23), Rodgers Rop (2:07.32) in 2007, Christopher Kandie (2:10.17) in 2002, 1999 won by David Ngetich timing 2:10.05 and Stephen Kirwa was the first Kenyan to win in 1997 timing 2:10.37.
Source: The Star