Marathon coach Cheromei backs Kenya to shine at World Championship

Marathon coach Joseph Cheromei is adamant the selected Kenyan marathon team will shine in the World Championships due later this year in Doha despite the looming adverse weather conditions in the Qatari capital.

Athletics Kenya (AK) last week released Kenya’s marathon teams with Cheromei alongside Global Sports Communications coach Richard Metto handed the responsibility to oversee the teams.

This year’s marathon races are set to be held at midnight owing to high temperatures in Doha, and Cheromei has played down the changes insisting that the they will prepare adequately for the challenge that awaits them.

“It will be the first time that a marathon race is being held at midnight in a World Championship because of the weather. We will therefore have to adapt accordingly by training under similar conditions,” said Cheromei.

Kenya will be out to retain the men’s title with the defending champion Geoffrey Kirui leading Kenya’s contingent that includes Berlin Marathon runner up Amos Kipruto, two- time Paris Marathon champion Paul Lonyangata, Laban Korir, and Ernest Ngeno.

Two -time world champion Edna Kiplagat, Visiline Jepkesho, Sally Chepyego and Ruth Jepngetich forms the women team.

With the team set to report to camp in Kaptagat early July, Cheromei disclosed that they will be going outside the high altitude to places such as Kimwarer in Elgeyo Marakwet as they seek to acclimatise with the temperatures in Doha.

AK Vice President in charge of Competitions Paul Mutwii while announcing the team had also hinted that the marathoners may have to train in low altitude areas in particular around Lake Victoria.

The tactician who hails from Baringo County and based in Elgeyo Markwet’s Adidas Camp, managed by Italian Gianni Demadona, said he is satisfied with the selected team which he says will bring gold medals in both categories.

“As at now I cannot tell who will win but I am certain it is a strong team and when we kick off our training we will get into the finer details,” added Cheromei.

The women marathon will be held on the first day of the competition on September 27, while the men’s race is slated for October 5.

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IAAF World Championships

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