Africa-Press – Kenya. Former All Africa Games 10,000m silver medalist Gladys Chesir is eyeing a podium finish at Sunday’s Kosice Marathon in Slovakia.
After finishing fourth at the Copenhagen Marathon in April, the former Youth Olympic Games 3,000m champion is excited as she braces up for her third career marathon this weekend.
“I have been training and preparing for this race and my target is to finish on the podium come Sunday,” said Chesir.
She has a personal best of 2:24.51 in the 42km race set during the 2017 Amsterdam Marathon, where she finished second. She promised to give the race her best shot despite not being conversant with the course.
“This is my first time competing in the race but that will not deter me from attaining my targets. I do not only want to finish on the podium but also improve on my time,” she said.
The Iten-based runner finished second in the 10,000m during 2015 All Africa Games in Congo Brazzaville behind compatriot and winner Alice Aprot.
Chesir, however, failed to finish the Eldoret City Marathon on April 10 in Eldoret but recovered on time to run at the Copenhagen when she finished 4th overall.
“I had a bad fall, failing to complete the race but right now I am fine ready for the competition. It has been a while to run in such a big race but am ready to challenge my competitors,” said Chesir.
The former Lille half marathon champion will be up against compatriots Margaret Agai, who enjoys the best time of 2:23.28 as well as Emily Chepkemoi who has 2:30.52.
Ethiopian Ayantu Kumela enjoys the best time on paper with 2:24.35 as compatriots Borne Cheluke (2:26.23), Ebsite Tilahun (2:29.52) and Tadelechi Nedi with 2:30.04)
In men, four Kenyans will be battling for the crown where Reuben Kerio (2:07.00), Leonard Langat (2:06.59), Albert Kangogo (2:07.48) and Daniel Kipchumba (2:08.55) will be yearning for the crown.
Others in the lineup are Aychew Bantie (2:06.23), Zawedu Hailu (2:06.31), Abraham Girma (2:06.48), Mehans Mekasha (2:10.43), Adane Gebre and Abiyot Abinet, who is making a debut.
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