Makau plans a major assault on his world record

Patrick Makau crosses the finishing line to win the 38th Berlin Marathon on
September 25, 2011. He set a world record of 2.03:38.

What you need to know:

  • Makau said that he has fully recuperated from a hamstring injury he incurred at London Marathon to him withdraw mid-race.

Patrick Makau is planning a major assault on his own World Marathon record this session.

The 25-year-old long distance runner from Manyanzaani, Machakos County, intends to better his world record time of 2:03:38 come the London marathon on April 21.

In case the 2007 Udine and 2008 Rio de Janeiro World Half Marathon silver medallist won’t attain his goal, he will give it another shot at the Berlin Half Marathon due September 29.

Makau, who declared that he will be in a better shape at London than when he broke the World record at the 2011 Berlin Marathon, said: “I don’t have new strategies but what I am sure of is that I will be in a better shape than ever before. I just want God to keep me in that shape and provide good health.”

Makau said that he has fully recuperated from a hamstring injury he incurred at London Marathon to him withdraw mid-race.

The withdrawal would cost him a place in Kenya marathon team at the London Olympics even though he had earlier been given an automatic after his exploits in Berlin.

Makua said he will be more than ready to represent Kenya in marathon at the World Championships planned for August 10 to 18 in Moscow, Russia. “I am not bitter at what happened because I believe God had better plans for me. I am ready to do the national colours at any time.

“I will shelve my London Marathon dream if I am to make it to Moscow since they are only weeks apart,” said Makau, who intends to gauge his strength at the Hapalua Hawaii’s Half Marathon on March 10.

Lost in a sprint finish

Makau said he has tightened his training having moved from Kangundo to his current base in Ngong. “I was in Kangundo for speed work because of its low altitude but I have shifted to Ngong in search of endurance,” said Makau, who is now tackling between 20km to 25km in Ngong. “My speed work in Kangundo focused on between 800m and 1,000m.”

Last year wasn’t good season for Makau. He was the pre-race favourite for the Granollers Half Marathon in February, but lost in a sprint finish to Carles Castillejo under cold weather conditions.

He ran at the London Marathon but dropped out mid-race due to injury and was not selected for the Olympic team. Makau would go for the Great Manchester Run in May and came fifth in a time of 28:21 minutes.

Makau was to test his strength at the Frankfurt Marathon in October, despite feeling uncomfortable.

Makau stayed behind the pack  most of the time  but would plough his way to the front, holding off Ethiopian Deressa Chimsa  to win in 2:06:08.