Rono banks on teamwork if Kenya is to do well

Daniel Rono (centre), trains with Philemon Rotich (left) and Samson Chebii in Eldoret. Photo/JARED NYATAYA

Rising marathoner Daniel Kipkurgat Rono will going to Berlin in the quest to retain the marathon title at the World Championships in Athletics starting next week.
Rono, who has been training along the rugged Moi Girls High School road together with fellow marathoners Samson Chebii and Philemon Rotich, said recently he was prepared for the expected showdown in the German capital city.

“I believe with the form and shape we are in we can still hold the title that Luke Kibet brought us. I hope to run a good race as I make a maiden appearance in the championships,” said Rono, 30.

The runner, who was awarded a Athletics Kenya wild card selection, said he would join hands with other athletes in the Kenyan team to ensure no nation wrests the title from them.

“We will run as a team. The parade includes experienced marathoner Robert ‘Mwafrika’ Cheruiyot, who is a four-time Boston marathon winner, fourth-placed London Marathon finisher Emmanuel Mutai, as well as Abel Kirui,” he said.

Did a great job

“There is need for us to team up in order to retain the title. Kibet did a great job and I admire him.

“But I know every one of us will be up for it.”

Rono, who trains in Iten and Eldoret, said he prefers the area since its weather and terrain would enable him to acclimatise to different conditions.

“I train in Iten and Eldoret since the two regions lie in varying altitudes. Iten is higher than Eldoret,” he said.
Iten is 7,000 feet (2,400 metres) above sea level.

“In Berlin, the conditions may differ greatly. I just decided to remain here since I could not contend with the pollution and congestion in the Nairobi roads,” he added.

Second in Boston Marathon in April this year and third in New York last November, Rono expects stiff opposition from Ethiopia’s Deriba Merga, the man who beat him in Boston.

Other runners who Rono is wary of include Ethiopian Abderrahime Bouramdane and Abderrahim Goumri of Morocco.

Asked if he would dash for a world record at the global contest, Rono said: “You know, I first need to make an impact on the national scene, and then the title will follow.”