Africa-Press – Kenya. 2018 Rotterdam Marathon champion Kenneth Kipkemoi will be out to reclaim his title when he returns to the Netherlands on April 12, where he will face a strong field that includes two-time winner Bashir Abdi of Belgium.
This year’s race is already being billed as a fast one, with organisers openly targeting the course record on one of Europe’s quickest marathon routes.
“We have a select field, a mix of experienced, still ambitious runners who have won important prizes and new talent we’d like to give a chance,” race director Marc Corstjens said.
Kipkemoi has fond memories of Rotterdam.
In 2018, he produced the performance of his career to win in 2:05:44.
Since then, his return trips have produced mixed results.
At the 2023 edition, the Kenyan finished ninth in 2:08:15.
A year later, he came close to the podium, clocking 2:05:43 for fourth place.
He now prepares for his fourth appearance in Rotterdam after a mixed 2025 season.
Kipkemoi opened the year with third place at the New Taipei Marathon in 2:14:04 before a difficult run in Rotterdam, where he finished 20th in 2:12:34.
He later bounced back to win the Eindhoven Marathon in 2:06:33 and closed the season with third place at the Abu Dhabi Marathon in 2:08:32, signs that his form has improved.
Standing in his way is Belgian star Bashir Abdi, a two-time Rotterdam champion.
Abdi won the race in 2021 in 2:03:36 and again in 2023 in 2:03:47, proving his strength on the fast course.
He returns to Rotterdam seeking momentum after finishing 10th at last year’s Chicago Marathon.
Kenya will also be represented by Erick Sang, who has impressed since moving up to the marathon.
He ran 2:07:50 for seventh on his debut in Amsterdam in 2024.
Sang improved to third place at last year’s Hamburg Marathon, clocking a personal best of 2:04:30 behind Amos Kipruto (2:03:46) and Philemon Kiplimo (2:04:01).
The Ethiopian challenge will be led by 2020 Tokyo Marathon champion Birhanu Legese and Haymanot Alew, who finished third at the 2024 Berlin Marathon.
