Former world cross country champion Irene Cheptai will be seeking her first international title after maternity leave when she lines up at the Prague half marathon later this month.
Cheptai who won the 4th edition of Maria Soti cross country last weekend in Elgeyo Marakwet said her plans will be to run well in local races as part of her preparations for the upcoming races that include the Prague as well as national trials ahead of the Olympic Games to be held on Tokyo, Japan.
Running her first race in 2020, the lanky runner has been consisted after leave shining on both track and cross country.
“I used this race as part of speed work, training and endurance to ensure that I feel that hit before making my way to Prague. This will be my first international race this year, hoping for good results,” said Cheptai.
After Prague, she said she wants to feature in the Olympic Games team once Athletics Kenya hosts national trials in June.
“I want to cut into the Kenya team ahead of Olympic Games. It has been a while since I represented my country in major races and this year I want to show the world of what I can do on track,” said Cheptai.
She said she will be competing in 5,000m because she has been consisted in the race winning some of the local meetings to ensure she get good results.
“The distance of cross country and 10,00m on track is th same despite cross country being so difficult due to many corners. But that will be my focus for the 2020 season,” added Cheptai.
Source: The Star Newspaper