Kipsang, Ronoh renew rivalry in Czech Republic
Wilson Kipsang crosses the finish line during the men's 2015 London Marathon in central London on April 26, 2015. PHOTO | SEAN DEMPSEY |
What you need to know:
- Keitany is set to attack the Olomouc course record of 1:08:53, set last year by the two-time world marathon champion Edna Kiplagat.
Former World marathon record-holder Wilson Kipsang and defending champion Geoffrey Ronoh will face off again at the sixth edition of the Mattoni Olomouc Half Marathon next month.
Former World half marathon record-holder Mary Keitany, who finished second at the London Marathon in April, will be making her debut in the women’s race set for June 20 in the Czech Republic.
Ronoh, featuring as the pacemaker, stunned Kipsang, who was the world marathon record-holder, to an eight-second victory in last year.
The victory on his debut was enough to erase the previous time for a new course record of 1:00:17.
The duo, who are training partners, have shown the kind of form in 2015 hence making it another thrilling contest in prospect.
Kipsang’s compatriot and training partner, Dennis Kimetto, broke his world record in Berlin last September but remains a formidable and highly consistent competitor at any distance, as shown by his second place finish in 2:04:47 in the London Marathon in late April.
Ronoh is confident his current training will bring rewards. “I’ve improved in training, meeting new targets for speed work and long runs, compared to a year ago,” he told Nation Sport.
“He (Kipsang) is my mentor, I learn from him. He always tells me what to do and how to do it,” added Ronoh.
IMPROVED ON HIS TIME
Ronoh improved on his success in Olomouc last year, bringing his best for the half marathon distance down to 59:45 with victory at Klagenfurt in Austria two weeks before making a triumphant return to Prague roads and winning the 10km race in the Birell Prague Grand Prix in September.
Keitany returned strongly from maternity leave last year where she won the New York City Marathon in November before claiming the highly competitive Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon in February in 1:06:02. The time was the fourth fastest in history and only 12 seconds off her former world record mark in 2011.
Keitany is set to attack the Olomouc course record of 1:08:53, set last year by the two-time world marathon champion Edna Kiplagat.
