Philemon Rono and Benson Kipruto will be fighting for Toronto marathon title this Sunday in the Canadian capital.
As Rono will be chasing his third title, Kipruto will be yearning to defend his title he won last year, denying Rono a hat trick where he finished 9th.
Rono paced for Wilson Kipsang to break world marathon record in Berlin in 2014, said he was well prepared for the race to redeem his image.
Coming from Global Sports Communication training camp where he trains alongside former Olympic Games 3,000m steeplechase champion Brimin Kirputo, world marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge, two-time world marathon champion Abel Kirui among other top runners.
“Am going to Toronto to run a better race hoping to clinch my title back. Last year, it was bad for me losing three titles in a row but now am well prepared for the race better than any other event,” said Rono who last year won Kaptagat Forest Half marathon.
Popularly called junior police because of his height and serving as a police officer, Rono was optimistic that his training will bear fruits.
“I have had good preparations and this will see me run well. There will be more challenges because neighbours Ugandans have also entered into the race after posing a serious challenge last year but that doesn’t bother me much due to my preparations,” added Rono.
The runner holds the Toronto Waterfront Marathon course record of 2:06:52 set in 2017 on his way for a brace.
The 28 year old competed at the 2019 Boston Marathon, finishing 6th timing 2:08:57 in a race won by Lawrence Cherono, who also won Chicago marathon on Sunday.
Earlier on defending champion Kipruto said he will be going for sub- 2:06 when he ascends to the Canadian capital streets after denying Rono a hat-trick, winning in 2:07.24.
Following his Toronto marathon exploits, he was invited for the first time to compete at the 2019 Boston marathon, his major breakthrough in the World Marathon Majors in April 2019 where he finished 10th.
“If I can defend my title it will be very good for me and for my marathon career. I started the celebration at the (Eldoret) airport with my family, my friends and my training mates,” said Kipruto from 2 Running Club in Kapsabet