World Champ Kirui predicts Kenya win at World Half Marathon

By John Kwoba

NAIROBI, March 24 (Xinhua) -- Former World marathon champion Abel Kirui and legendary runner Paul Tergat both of Kenya believe it will take the world longer to edge Kenya off the top of road racing.

Kirui, who is preparing for the London marathon in April 22, said on Saturday Kenya has a large reservoir of road racers who can break any world record at any course.

He was speaking ahead of the World Half Marathon on Saturday evening in Valencia, Spain where Kenya's Geoffrey Kamworor will be looking to become just the second male athlete in history after Eritrea's Zersenay Tadese to win three or more titles at the World Half Marathon Championships.

"I wish all the best for Geoffrey Kamworor. There is high chance, he will be able to set a new world record. But most important is for him to win the race," said Kirui.

Kamworor is one of four athletes in the men's race with a lifetime best under the 59-minute mark.

Others are Bahrain's Abraham Cheroben (58:40) and Kenyans Jorum Okombo (58:48), Alex Korio (58:54) and Kamworor (58:54).

The fastest runner based on season's bests is Ethiopia's Yemal Jimer with 59:00 while European hopes will be focused on Switzerland's Julien Wanders, who clocked a 60:09 in Barcelona last month.

Kenya and Ethiopia will contend for the team title while Uganda, Eritrea, Bahrain, Japan and the United States, whose team includes Leonard Korir and Bernard Lagat, will also challenge for team honors.

Tergat, who won this competition on several occasions during his running days, said Kenya has a strong team that will be a worry to any other athletes.

"They are very strong and they know each other. It will be good if Kenya won the title again," said Tergat. Enditem