Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Kirui for world record

World marathon champion Abel Kirui has set his sights on breaking the world marathon record.

Kirui who set a championship record of 2:06: 54 through the streets of Berlin said on Monday that he wants to savour his recent win and then focus on attacking the record currently being held by Haile Gebrselassie.

“There’s still a lot of work to be done and I don’t want to waste any time,” said Kirui upon arrival from Germany.

“Right now I’m proud of what I achieved in Berlin and will use the time I have training wisely and to train with the right people as well,” he added.

Kirui’s Emmanuel Mutai’s 1-2 finish in the men’s marathon was just one of three similar finishes for Kenya in the championships.

Ezekiel Kemboi and Richard Mateelong secured a similar finish in the men’s steeplechase while Vivian Cheruiyot and Sylvia Kibet secured a similar result in the women’s 5000m.

“I’m very happy with the silver. When I was preparing for the championships, my main aim was to be on the podium so I’m glad my dream came true,” said Mutai.

“I hope to run either the London or Boston marathons in future but I will discuss that with my agents then I will decide,” he added.

Kibet was the only other medalist who arrived with the rest of the entourage that received a heroes welcome at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).

Most of the other medallists are in Zurich for Friday’s IAAF Golden League meet.

“The reason Vivian (Cheruiyot) and I did well is because we talk to each other during the race as we do the lapping,” said Kibet.

Kibet said that she will not be taking anything for granted especially with the African Athletics Championships looming.

“It’s going to be very tough but we are working very hard to produce a good performance at next year’s championships,” said the All Africa Games bronze medalist.

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