Injury free Wanjiru working to conquer New York

The 2017 London Marathon champion Daniel Wanjiru wants to use the forthcoming New York City Marathon to bounce back to glory, after struggling with injury for the better part of 2018.

Wanjiru finished eighth in this year’s London marathon held in April, clocking 2:10:35, a race in which compatriot Eliud Kipchoge won.

Heading to New York for the November 4 race, the 26-year old says the London disappointment are behind him, further promising his fans a “a good race.”

“Since the start of the year I have been struggling with a knee injury, even when I was preparing for the London Marathon. I thank God I’m now injury free as I prepare for the race (New York City Marathon), and I’m hoping to do well there,” said Wanjiru.

Although he is aiming to win the race, the Kirinyaga based marathoner who has a personal best (PB) of 2:05:21 set in Amsterdam 2016, is however concerned about the New York course.

“The New York course is not so friendly, so I’m not thinking much about lowering my PB. Of course being my first race after shaking off injury I cannot be over ambitious, but I know I will run a good race,” further offered Wanjiru.

Defending champion Geoffrey Kamworor will be among this year’s participants as he seeks to win back to back titles after winning his first major marathon race in the same soil last year.

Even though Wanjiru is aware of the level of challenge he is up to against Kamworor who is three- time world half marathon champion, he is upbeat of posting good results owing to his training and experience.

“I’m aware that it will be a tough battle considering that some athletes have been there before but that does not deter me. I’m satisfied of my training so far,” he charged.

On the women front, Kenyan duo of three-time champion Mary Keitany and London Marathon champion Vivian Cheruiyot will be up against defending champion Shalane Flanagan, and 2018 Boston Marathon champion Des Linden both from USA.

Report by Gilbert Kiprotich