Chemutai pulls out of Valencia Half Marathon

Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) Half Marathon champion Fancy Chemutai has opted out of the Valencia Half as she continues to recuperate from an ankle injury.

Chemutai’s withdrawal from the October 28 race leaves World Half Bronze medallist Mary Wacera and Edith Chelimo to lead the Kenyan assault at ‘The Running City’ in Spain.

Chemutai, who missed the World Half Marathon record by a second en route to winning at RAK, says it was ‘inevitable’ that she pulls out of the Valencia field after failing to recover in time.

It was widely expected to be a record chase for the 23-year-old given it is the same venue on which Joyciline Jepkosgei set the World record last year.

“It is a challenge for me but when I am back I will still fight for that. I am progressively returning to full training but right now I’m doing about 40-50 minutes a day.

“When I am completely fit then I’ll sit down with my coach so we can decide on the next race,” Chemutai who is based in Iten said.

Other athletes who will be heading to the Spanish city include the Kenyan duo of Lucy Cheruiyot, debutant Dorcas Tuitoek who has already managed  a time of 31:00 in the 10 kilometre race. Joining them is Ethiopia’s Gelete Burka  and host nation’s trio of Trihas Gebre, Teresa Urbina and Diana Martin.

In the men’s category, defending champion kenyan-born Abraham Cheroben of Bahrain will battle it out with other 30 elite athletes, 14 of whom holds time of under an hour as he looks to retain the crown he won last year in 59:11.

Among the elite field is a host of Kenyan’s led by two times Family Bank Half marathon champion Jorum Okombo Lumbasi (58:48), Solomon Kirwa Yego (58:44), Mangata Ndiwa (59:09), Abraham Kiptum (59:09) and Josphat Boit (59:19) the pace maker that led Eliud Kipchoge in his record breaking race in Berlin Marathon.

Kenya’s eternal rivals Ethiopia will be represented by  Yemal Yimer (59:00), Belihu Berta (59:51) and track runner Getaneh Molla (1.00.18).

-Report by Gilbert Kiprotich