Kipsang, Kiplagat land Mattoni Olomouc Half Marathon invite

The new London Marathon champions Wilson Kipsang and Edna Kiplagat are due for debut at the Mattoni Olomouc Half Marathon on June 21 in Czech.

Kipsang ran a course record breaking time of 2:04:09 to win his second London Marathon race after 2012 while Kiplagat finally exorcised the demons that saw her finish second in two previous editions to triumph in 2:20:19.

(READ: Wilson Kipsang, Edna Kiplagat win London Marathon titles)

Kipsang’s field had defending champions Tesfaye Kebede, who settled for third spot with Olympic and World champion Stephen Kiprotich finishing 12th.

Last year, Kiplagat became the first woman to retain the world marathon title, successfully defending the gold medal she won in 2011 at the 2013 Worlds in Moscow.

With her recent victory in London, she defeated the 5000m world record-holder, Tirunesh Dibaba the half-marathon world record-holder Florence Kipagat and the defending London champion Tiki Gelana from Ethiopia.

Kipsang and Kiplagat will now turn their attention to making an impression on the half-marathon distance in Olomouc but Kipsang should warm up for the Czech event with the 10km race at the Bupa Great Manchester Race on May 18.

(READ: All conquering Kipsang set for Great Manchester Run)

Both Kipsang and Kiplagat will be competing in the Czech Republic for the first time. Their respective PBs of 58:59 and 1:07:41 are quicker than the course records of 1:00:44 and 1:10:38.

“The world is used to seeing athletes of this calibre only in well-known big city events like those in London or New York, but we are showing that a small city with a commitment to quality and a beautiful setting can compete with those cities,” said Carlo Capalbo, president of the organising committee.

The full elite start list will be announced at a later date, but it will feature athletes with the credentials to challenge the favourites.