At 42, Nderitu dreams of winning his first international gold

At 42, Julius Nderitu Karangi is eagerly awaiting to make his debut, representing Kenya in an international event, in the 21st edition of the Commonwealth Games, where he will be among  Kenyan athletes competing in the marathon.

This assignment is his first international event for Kenya and understandably, he is both proud and elated by the milestone.

Ndiritu says that after years of trying to make a cut to Team Kenya’s Cross Country and track events, his dream has become a reality after he was named in a three-man team heading for the Commonwealth Games set for Gold Coast, Australia from April 4-15.

“Age is nothing but just a number, we have been on the road for some time now and I believe in my self. Being named in the Kenyan team is the best news that I have had this year,”elated Julius Ndiritu, told Citizen Digital.

The 2017 Copenhagen Marathon champion, will team up with 2013 Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon winner Kenneth Mungara Mburu and Nicholas Kamakya, a 2011 Gold Coast Marathon winner.

This team, Nderitu believes is strong enough and can do the country proud despite the strong criticism levelled against them.

“Marathon selection is based on performance. Since I joined road race in 2012 I have performed very well,” said Nderitu.

He added, “Though I have not been to Gold Coast both my colleagues have participated in that race before, they say the track is flat, and despite the heat down there, we will work together to bring the gold back home”.

The veteran athlete has a best time of 2.08:01 set at the 2012 Dubai Marathon in the United Arab Emirates.

Kenya lost gold to Australian Michael Shelley, in 2014, and it will be up to the three runners to bring back the lost glory a task that Nderitu says he is up too.

“I tried cross country as a junior, later on, the track but I failed to make it to team Kenya. Despite my age, this is my chance and I have to grab it with both hands,” he said, adding: “Those criticizing the team, come forward and support us.Let’s win this together”