New York Marathon title a major target for triumphant Kamworor

Freshly minted IAAF World Half Marathon champion Geoffrey Kipsang Kamworor has shifted focus to defending his New York Marathon title on November 4.

However, before going for his second marathon title, Kamworor the Kenya Police Service Officer, will  focus on lowering his 10,000m personal best (PB) of 26 minutes 52.65 seconds in the upcoming Diamond League series starting in Doha, Qatar.

Speaking shortly after landing at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Monday from Valencia, Spain, Kamworor said he will rest for about two weeks before resuming training, eyes on the Doha meet.

“I’m very happy to defend my title. I’m very happy for my this victory it was my third but it was still exciting as the first time I won it. I would like to tell Kenyans thank you for your love and support, ” said Kamworor the all surface talented star.

The 2015 Beijing 10,000m silver medalist revealed that he will use this season’s Diamond League Series   to clock faster times which will help in speed work as he  also targets next year’s World Championships top podium place.

Kamworor, the two time IAAF World Cross Country champion, successfully defended his World Half marathon title on Saturday and set a season best of one hour, 00.02 seconds.

He finished 20 seconds ahead of Kenyan born Baharaini Abraham Naibei Cheroben who arrived home in 1:00.22(SB), as Eritrean Aron Kifle took the second runners up place in 1:00.31.

Though the women were down to three after RAK Half  Marathon winner Joyciline Jepkosgei and Mary Wacera got injured a few days before the biannual event, Rak Half Marathon winner Jepkosgei and Pauline Kaveke could hardly hide their joy after bagging a silver and bronze medal.

“I’m very happy and contended with a silver. I fought hard but the title evaded me. There will be a next time God willing. After this I take my rest before I start training for the Africa Championships in the 10,000m, ” the all smiles Jepkosgei said.

Jepkosgei also thanked Ruth Chepng’etich for the team title after crossing the line as the third Kenyan . Chepng’etich overcame a back problem that almost derailed her efforts in the race, to stop the timer at 1:09.12 and ranked 13.

Race favourite Jepkosgei settled for silver after clocking 1 hour 06.54 seconds  as Pauline Kaveke Kamululu took bronze after stopping the timer at  1 hour 06.56 seconds in the women’s event.

Team Kenya was defending its title gained at the 2016 World Half Marathon in Cardiff after the team swept 7 out of the possible 12 medals winning 4 Gold, 2 silver and a bronze medal.

At the Valencia World Half Marathon, Kenya bagged a total of five medals,  gold, three silver and a bronze medal, including  overall team medals; bronze and silver in the men and women races respectively to rank second with 35 points globally.

Rivals and neighbors Ethiopia carried the day to bag the overall title with three gold medals.

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Geoffrey Kamworor Kamworor eyeing more New York glory after conquering Valencia New York Marathon title a major target for triumphant Kamworor World Half Marathon Champion

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