Newly crowned Family bank half marathon champions Daniel Simiyu and Nancy Jelagat will be making their debut at the Standard Chartered Nairobi half marathon set for this Sunday 27th in Nairobi.
The duo were the 2019 Family bank 21km champions and said they will be chasing another title in one of the best Kenyan road running.
Simiyu, the national 5,000m champion failed to represent the country at the concluded IAAF World Championships after failing to meet anti-doping test regulations of being tested a minimum of three times out of the competition.
But that has not bothered his coach Erick Kogo is not a disturbed man because he says the boy has better chances ahead.
“When he was ejected from the team, I had to think very fast and organize a race for him. That was a good consolation when he won Kisii 10km road race and went ahead to win Family Bank. The two wins have consoled him enough,” said Kogo.
Simiyu, apart from winning many local races, he will be chasing the Standard Chartered 21km title as part of his journey for 2020 Olympic Games in Tokyo Japan.
“I want to run well in Standard Chartered 21km but my really focus is the 2020 Olympic games. I have to do what is needed to make the team. I will run my best as usual then make the cut,” said Simiyu who trains in Iten.
A fortnight ago, he won Family Bank title clocking 63:00 edging out Moses Kibet to second timing 63:38 and Andrew Kipkemboi closing the podium in 63:44.
Another upstart jelagat, who has dominated local races will also be chasing the Standard Chartered 21km title when she steps at the starting line-up.
The 2019 Family Bank half marathon winner (72:04) edged out Deborah Sumum (72:45) and Marion Kibor in third position in 75:05.
“My training is going on well and I want to run well at the lucrative Chartered half marathon,” said Jelagat who trains in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet county.
Source: The Star Newspaper