Kenya's champ Kosgei eyes Commonwealth Games

NAIROBI, Dec. 13 (Xinhua) -- Honolulu Marathon champion Brigid Kosgei of Kenya is hopeful her performance in the United States was enough to convince the coaches and selectors to consider her for the Commonwealth Games in April.

Kosgei, who demolished the course record in the Honolulu Marathon with 2:22:15, is angling to make it to the Kenyan team, but is aware of the intense competition with over 30 women having run under 2:25:00 in Kenya. The marathon qualification time is set at 2:30:00.

"It is always an honor to represent Kenya in athletics at the global stage. The Commonwealth Games are unique and special to us and everyone is happy to compete there," she said on Wednesday.

At the same time, Kosgei said she has set her focus on breaking the sub-2:20:00 barrier next year when she returns to defend her title in Honolulu.

"Maybe next year, I want to improve to run 2:18:00 or 2:17:00. I want to break the course record (in New York, London, or Boston)," she said.

Kosgei ran her career best of 2:20:22 only eight weeks ago in the Chicago Marathon. Enditem