Two time Varadero half marathon champion Timothy Kiplagat Rono will be in action chasing the 11th Re-Discover Nandi 10km Road race title set for this Sunday in Kapsabet, Nandi County.
With the aim of environmental conservation, the annual race starts at the Kamonjil area in Emgwen Constituency passing through the famous Chebarbar junction on Eldoret-Kisumu road to end at the Namgoi mixed secondary school.
With registration ongoing, Rono said he will be at the starting line-up now that there are fewer races across the world with many athletes failing to get in any competition.
“This will be an opportunity for me to compete after a long spell without competition. My target will be to be on the podium,” said Rono.
The Dr. Rosa Associati training camp athlete in Kaptagat won the Varadero back to back, in 2018 and defended the title in 2019 by timing 62:51 and 63:53. In 2018, he led 1-2 podium finish for Kenya when Ronald Kipkoech Korir in 63:04 was second before Machando Martine completed the podium after timing 68:25.
“Am preparing so well for the race after getting the information too late about the event last weekend. Immediately I got the message, I began training to secure good results,” said Rono, the 2018 Nairobi Standard Chartered half marathon 8th finisher.
Rono, who finished third at the Okpekpe Half marathon in 2019 added that he is in top form to face his challengers at the race that is expected to be tough with a strong field and big names set to grace the event.
“I have been training for road races and focusing on marathon running. Now that there are not many races both locally and internationally, I want to try my luck in the 10km on Sunday. With such a challenge of lack of races, many athletes are expected to turn up to chase the title,” added Laredo 10km bronze medalist.
Apart from the above, Rono has also competed at the Eldoret Family Bank half marathon finishing in 14th position, 5th at the Discovery cross country and second at the Stralugano half marathon.