AK back to the drawing board as men marathoners flop

Sunday’s London Marathon and the Boston Marathon held over a week ago were some of the most important spring marathons.

And Athletics Kenya officials and coaches have been monitoring these races closely and are set to select provisional marathon teams for the World Championships in Athletics set for August in Moscow after deliberations on Monday. However, while women marathoners has been impressive, men’s performances have left a sour taste in the mouths of local athletics authorities and the coaches.

AK President Isaiah Kiplagat said the association will meet with a panel of coaches to discuss the performances today before naming the provisional teams for Moscow. “The women have been exemplary but the men have not been impressive,” Kiplagat said. “However, there should be no cause for worry since the coaches will address the issue with athletes who will be selected.”

Kiplagat said Kenyan men should have won in London but lack of team work and poor tactics let them down.

Kenya’s Rita Jeptoo and London Olympic silver medallist Priscah Jeptoo ruled the roast in Boston and London respectively. Priscah (2:20:15) led World Champion Edna Kiplagat 2:21:32 to a 1-2 sweep in London, while Rita won in Boston in 2:26:25 as defending champion Sharon Cherop coming in third 2:27:01.

Their male counterparts were favourites to prevail in these races by virtue of their times and form, but disappointed.