Two-time world marathon champion Abel Kirui is set to dance again in this year’s Chicago marathon set for this Sunday n the world’s Superpower United States of America.
The 2012 Olympic Games marathon silver medallist won the Chicago title in 2016 in 2:11.23 after recovering from a knee injury lost the title to homeboy Galen Rupp in 2017.
But Kirui who changed his training camp to Global Sports Communication where a new world marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge trains under Richard Metto and Patrick Sang.
“After changing my training base and management, I have so far improved and ran my personal best during London marathon immediately after joining Global Sports Communications.,” said Kirui.
The runner born and raised in Nandi county won the 2009 IAAF world marathon title in Berlin before defending his title in 2011 in Daegu, becoming the third marathoner to defend world title after Abel Anton and Jaouad Gharib.
“My coach gave me a good training programme that am following like running 30km a day, joining fellow training mates for speed work, fat leg among others to ensure that I get to my top form ahead of the race,” said the 2008 Vienna Marathon champion.
He will be facing off with 2018 Tokyo marathon champion Dickson Chumba, who withdrew from Berlin marathon.
Kirui trains alongside Kipchoge, three-time world half marathon champion Geoffrey Kipsang Kamworor, former Olympic games 3,000m steeplechase champion Brimin Kipruto, two time Toronto marathon champion Philemon Rono in men’s category while the camp also consists of former 3,000m steeplechase world champion Hyvin Kiyeng among others.
“I have to congratulate my training partner Kipchoge, whom we trained together before traveling to Berlin. He has given us motivation and moral spirit to fight for our space,” added Kirui.
The Seventh Day Adventist Church member was optimistic that he will redeem his image and win the second title.
“I have hope of winning the title back. My focus is bringing back the title nothing more. I lost last year’s but this title am praying that I get it back,” added Kirui