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Kenya's Mutai shakes off long time injury, seeks Valencia marathon conquest

Xinhua, November 11, 2016 Adjust font size:

Kenya's former Berlin marathon champion Geoffrey Mutai, has finally got over his injury and fitness woes and plans to compete in a major marathon in Valencia on Nov. 20.

Mutai, who won the World Marathon Majors crown in 2012/13 season, is making a comeback and is certain he will prevail as he pushes to get his body back into competitive form.

However, he ruled out going for the World Marathon Championships in London in 2017.

"I feel strong and rejuvenated. I will be seeking to win in Valencia, though I know the elite field will be strong and challenging to beat. But there is no race that is easy and I will be up to the task," he said on Friday from Eldoret.

Alongside Mutai, Kenya will also have John Mwangangi and Beata Naigambo return to defend their titles at the Valencia marathon in Spain on Nov 20.

Mwangangi, who clocked a career best and Spanish all-comers record of 2:06:13 last year, and Naigambo, the women's champion, who prevailed in 2:26:57, will face strong fields.

The men's race will feature 16 runners with sub-2:10 bests, led by Mutai who won the 2012 Berlin Marathon in 2:04:15.

Slowed by injury the past three years, the 35-year-old is targeting a strong performance in his first marathon of 2016. Getu Feleke of Ethiopia, who holds a 2:04:50 career best, will also be in the field.

Other sub-2:07 men in the field include Gilbert Yegon of Kenya, at 2:06:18 from 2009, Kenyan Peter Cheruiyot Kirui, who clocked 2:06:31 in 2011, and Matthew Kisorio with a lifetime best of 2:06:33 who finished second in this race last year.

Others to watch include Solomon Kirwa Yego of Kenya, who clocked 58:44 at the Roma Ostia Half Marathon this year and his compatriot Cosmas Kiplimo Lagat, this year's Seville Marathon winner.

In the women's contest, Naigambo will be chasing a third straight victory, but will also face stiff competition.

Taking on the favourite's role will be Kenyan Lucy Wangui, whose 2:19:34 lifetime best from 2012 ranks her as the 10th fastest marathoner of all-time. She ran nearly as fast last year, also in Dubai, clocking 2:20:21.

The pair will lead a field that consists of eight other runners who have clocked better than 2:30.

Ethiopians Betelhem Moges Cherenet, who has run 2:24:29, and Aberu Mekuria Zennebe, with a 2:25:30 best, are expected in the chase. Valary Jemeli Aiyabei of Kenya, who sports a 2:25:26 best, is also expected in the hunt. Endit