Kwambai shifts focus to road races after return
Irene Kwambai competes in the women's Nairobi Standard Chartered Marathon where she finished second on October 26, 2014 at Nyayo Stadium. PHOTO | CHRIS OMOLLO |
What you need to know:
- Kwambai, who clocked clocking 2:44:16, declared that she is back after taking a two-year sabbatical two owing to job commitment.
- Kwambai, who holds personal best 2:33 from finishing second during the 2012 Hannover Marathon, said she will concentrate on road races.
Veteran athlete Irene Kwambai announced her return to competitive athletics with an impressive second-place finish in the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon on Sunday.
Kwambai, who clocked clocking 2:44:16, declared that she is back after taking a two-year sabbatical two owing to job commitment.
The 36-year-old Kenya Defence Forces Corporal, who won silver in 10,000m at the 2004 Africa Championships and bronze at the 2007 All Africa Games over the same distance, was second to Eunice Jeptoo from Nyali Barracks in 2:43:05.
Eunice Jeptoo reacts after winning the 42.2km Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon 2014 at Nyayo Stadium on October 26, 2014. She clocked 2:43:05. PHOTO | MARTIN MUKANGU | NATION
Last year, Kenya Air Force officer Winfridah Kwamboka won the women’s race in 2:33:18.
“I have been bogged down by job commitments but I am back and my body still feels strong,” said Kwambai, who now targets a place in marathon team for next year’s World Championships due August in Beijing, China.
“I just want to continue training hard to bring my body back to the right shape and see what will come along,” said Kwambai, the 2007 World Military Games 10,000m silver medallist.
CONCENTRATE ON ROAD RACES
Kwambai, who holds personal best 2:33 from finishing second during the 2012 Hannover Marathon, said she will concentrate on road races.
“I can’t go back to track since there are good youngsters who are quite energetic than I am. My body condition now suits for road races,” said Kwambai, who represented Kenya the 2005 Helsinki World Championships, finishing 10th in the 10,000m.
