World record holder Jepkosgei puts off marathon debut
What you need to know:
- The athlete exclusively told Nation Sport that she saw it wise to pull out of the race despite being well prepared for the task ahead
- Jepkosgei further said that she will continue training once she heals as she looks forward to taking part in other races next year
- Her withdrawal leaves former Honolulu Marathon champion Joyce Jepkirui, Vivian Kiplagat and Sheila Jerotich to battle it out for the crown won by Brigid Kosgei last year
World half marathon record holder Joyciline Jepkosgei, who was to make her marathon debut at this weekend’s Honolulu marathon, now has to wait longer to realise the dream after she picked up an injury.
The 24-year-old, who was lining up for her first marathon race after a brilliant show in the half marathon, twisted her leg during training while preparing for her debut.
The athlete exclusively told Nation Sport that she saw it wise to pull out of the race despite being well prepared for the task ahead.
“I will not be running on Sunday because the injury I sustained means I could not have finished,” said Jepkosgei.
“My preparations were going on well and apart from the small injury, I would have made history. It's a new race for me because I have not participated in a full marathon but I believe in my training,” added Jepkosgei who trains under the guidance of her husband Nicholas Koech.
Jepkosgei further said that she will continue training once she heals as she looks forward to taking part in other races next year.
“I look forward to running one of the marathons maybe early next year once the injury heals,” she said.
Her withdrawal leaves former Honolulu Marathon champion Joyce Jepkirui, Vivian Kiplagat and Sheila Jerotich to battle it out for the crown won by Brigid Kosgei last year.
Kenyans to watch out for in the men's category include former Amsterdam Marathon champion Wilson Chebet, Vincent Yator, Philip Tarbei, Titus Ekiru and Reuben Kerio.
