Former world youth 3000m champion medalist Veronica Nyaruai will be making history as first Kenyan to win Houston marathon that has been dominated by perennial rivals Ethiopia in the women’s race set for this Sunday as she makes her debut in the 42km distance.
Since inception in 1972, no Kenyan woman runner (eight for men) has won the race but Nyaruai, who won last year’s half marathon said she will be making her statement well known to the world’s super power as she sets to break the jinx.
Nyaruai, instead of defending her title in the 21km distance, the 2005 World Youth 3,000m Champion opted to add icing sugar on the cake, targeting better rewards in the 42km distance.
Last year, she clocked 67:58 to win the half marathon with course record being held by Kenyan Mary Wacera who set in 2016 at 66:29 and she was optimistic of great harvest.
“My target is to win the race or finish on the podium being my first marathon in the career. Although it will be my first too in Houston, I have an advantage of being familiar with the route, which will be to my advantage but hard work will bear fruits”. Said Nyaruai.
The former world cross country junior silver medalist added that the Sunday race will be so important for her but weather conditions will play a critical role too.
“I have prepared myself very well but Houston event will depend on weather conditions, though am ready,” said Nyaruai.
The former track mistress had success in both track and cross country, taking second position at the 2006 IAAF world cross country junior championships in Fukuoka, Japan.
Under guidance of her husband cum coach Isaac Macharia, the pin sized runner also scooped silver in 1,500m at the All Africa Games.
The 2012 Africa senior Athletics 1,500m silver medalists has decided to move out of track to road race to pave way for talented lads to take over track events.
“I feel good when I run road races than track because am growing old now,” explained Nyaruai.