Share

Sub 2-hour marathon nearly man Kipchoge out of World Championships

Nairobi - Kenyan athletics selectors have been forced into wholesale changes to the marathon team for the August 4-13 IAAF World Athletics Championships in London following the withdraw of four top runners including Olympic men's champion Eliud Kipchoge.

Kipchoge, who narrowly missed out on becoming the first athlete to run a sub-two hour marathon last month, said he needed to rest after the gruelling record attempt in Monza, Italy.

He is joined on the withdrawal list by former world record holder Wilson Kipsang, who failed to win nomination for a parliamentary seat last month and is believed to be eyeing a shot at the Berlin marathon title in September.

Other athletes who have backed out for consideration include three-time London marathon women's winner Mary Keitany and former world half-marathon record holder Florence Kiplagat.

In their absence, the selectors have named two-time women's world champion Edna Kiplagat and Daniel Wanjiru, the reigning London marathon men's champion, to spearhead the nine-member team which is expected to start preparations for the worlds in early June.

The husband-and-wife duo of Paul Lonyangata and Purity Rionoripo, who won the men and women's titles at the Paris marathon in April, have been named as reserves.

Kenya marathon team for London world championships:

Men

Geoffrey Kirui, Daniel Wanjiru, Gedion Kipketer, Paul Lonyangata (reserve)

Women

Edna Kiplagat, Helah Kiprop, Flomena Cheyech, Valentine Kipketer, Purity Rionoripo (reserves)

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
26% - 1271 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
30% - 1469 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2239 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE