Kenya
names World Championships marathon team
Peter Njenga for the
IAAF
25
April 2001 – Nairobi - Rotterdam Marathon winner Josphat Kiprono leads a team of six
Kenyan marathoners who will compete in the Edmonton World Championships, according to a
statement released here today by the Kenyan governing body, KAAA.
Kiprono who equalled the former world best time of 2:06:50 set by Ethiopian Belayeh Densimo in 1988 in Rotterdam on Sunday will be joined by Kenneth Cheruiyot and Joshua Chelang'a.
Cheruiyot, winner in Rotterdam last but second to Kiprono this year, clocked 2:07.15 while Chelang'a made a successful marathon debut in Boston and finished third in 2:10.29.
Catherine Ndereba, winner of the Boston Marathon for the second year running a week ago, heads the women's team together with Susan Chepkemei and Joyce Chepchumba.
Ndereba, who does most of her training in the United States, has the best time among the trio with the 2:23.53 she clocked in Boston after breaking away from former Olympic champion Fatuma Roba of Ethiopia.
Chepkemei, who on Sunday competes in the Salzburg Half Marathon together with a group of Kenyans to raise funds for the Africa Medical Foundation (AMREF), won in Rotterdam in 2:25.45. Chepchumba, a bronze medallist in Sydney Olympics finished third in the London Marathon last Sunday.
Kenya Amateur Athletic Association (KAAA) public relations officer Francis Nyatome said local coaches would draw up a training programme for these athletes so that they can start early preparations.
Despite dominating all major city marathon races through the 90s, Kenyans have yet to win another world title since that won by Douglas Wakiihuri in the 1987 championships.
