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Kenyans to put best foot forward in quest for Toronto marathon crown

Xinhua, September 20, 2016 Adjust font size:

Kenya's Ishhimael Chemtan said Tuesday he will go out at full throttle to win the Toronto marathon on Oct. 16 to prove his critics he deserved the narrow win in last year's event.

But the winner has not forgotten it was less than a second that separated him from Gilbert Kirwa earning victory in 2:09:00. The two will face each other again next month.

"I remember it was very cold during the 2015 race," said Chemtan after his training in Iten. "My shape and preparation is better than last year. My best time is 2:08:20 and I believe I will be able to run better this year. I am looking to run under 2:08."

Clearly, he has the ability to run much faster, having beaten athletes with superior personal best times over the years. Kirwa, for instance, has run 2:06:14. In April this year, Chemtan finished second at the Milan Marathon, setting that 2:08:20 personal best.

Both Chemtan and Kirwa have been preparing to do battle on the streets of Canada's largest city with the latter eager to turn the tables after coming so close a year ago. Losing in a sprint was more than just a matter of pride.

"This year I am prepared well and I hope for a good performance," said Kirwa. "I also see this year that there is a strong field in Toronto. If we can work together, with my competitors, I am convinced that we can run faster than last year. More so if the weather will be good and favourable then it will contribute to faster times."

"My expectation is to run good and go for the course record in Toronto [2:07:05]. Training is going well and I tested myself in the Tilburg 10miles race in the Netherlands. I am in the right shape for Toronto."

Kirwa finished fourth in Tilburg with a time of 45:40 and that is certainly an indication he is ready to duel with his compatriot again. The prize purse is a great attraction as he looks after his four brothers and three sisters.

As the Toronto race approaches, he will focus even more on getting as much rest as possible between training sessions. The course record would be a handsome reward for Kirwa and his rivals.

There is a 35,000-US-dollar course record bonus that escalates to 50,000 dollars if the time is faster than 2:06:00.

The existing record of 2:07:05 has been held by Ethiopia's Deressa Chimsa since 2013. It has withstood the challenge of some excellent distance runners since then. Endit