World half marathon head coach Patrick Makau is confident that this year’s team for the World Half Marathon Championships will shine.
The postponed world show set for this Saturday in Gdynia, Poland said he is aware of stiff competition.
In absence of defending champion Geoffrey Kamworor reigning Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) and Prague Half Marathon champion Kibiwott Kandie and 2017 World Cross Country Championships silver medallist Leonard Barsoton will carry the national flag.
In ladies the women’s team is the finest ever with on form 2016 world half champion Peres Jepchirchir back in the team and Joycilline Jepkosgei out to make amends after settling for silver in Valencia 2018.
Jepkosgei and Pauline Kaveke failed the test, settling for silver and bronze in Valencia as Netsanet Gudeta claimed victory not only in championship record but also in women’s only world record time of 1:06:11.
Bernard Kipkorir (59:07), Bernard Kimeli (59:07) and Morris Munene (59:22) also look strong by virtue of having good times
Team manager Patrick Kipsang said the weather is Gdynia will range from between six degrees to 11 degrees on the competition day.