Philemon Rono will be chasing his 4th title at the Toronto Waterfront marathon champion set for October 6th in Canada.
Rono, who has won the title three times will be returning to the course that he describes as ‘my home’ after competing on the course for five times.
Popularly called ‘police mdogo’ due to his small body as a police officer, Rono said that he will be returning home for another title God willing.
“I am going back home. The race and the course, I know it very well,” said Rono.
The 31-year-old who trains in Kaptagat at the Global Sports Communication (GSC) alongside marathon greats Eliud Kipchoge, Abel Kirui, Laban Korir, Augustin Choge among others in Uasin County said that he is preparing well for the event come October.
The ever smiling Rono first won the title in 2016 when he clocked 2:08.26 and defended his title the following year in 2:06.52. However, he was denied an opportunity to collect a hat-trick in 2018 when Benson Kipruto from Nandi County won the title after timing 2:07.24.
“I will be heading there with the purpose of a victory. I have the course record and improving will be better due to my good training,” he added.
He went ahead to reclaim the title in 2019 when he managed a course record of 2:05.00 and the championships will be returning this year after two years break due to the coronavirus that affected the sporting world.
Rono also competed at the Valencia 2:05:37 as well as the Seoul Marathon (2:07:03).
The Chelsea FC fan also competed twice at the Hamburg marathon finishing 4th in 2014 and second in 2016.
“Am looking forward to returning to Toronto with hopes of good results, reviving my memories,” he said.
On his debut at the championships, he finished 9th at this race in 2018 where Kipruto won.
Coming from the terrains of Marakwet East in Elgeyo Marakwet county, Kiplimo will be facing off with great Kenyan runners and athletes from across the world with hopes of retaining the title.
“For now I don’t know my opponents but before the race, I would have known,” he added.