Athletes taking it one step at a time ahead of Iten marathon

Naomy Chepkorir before winning ladies 42 km race during Iten International Marathon Second addition at Iten town in Elgeyo Marakwet County last year. [Peter Ochieng, Standard]

Long distance athletes are getting ready for the third edition of Iten International Marathon contest on Sunday.

Several road race stars will be competing at home, the headquarters of athletics training.

They will be lining up in the full marathon and 10km races, in a course where they are too familiar among home fans.

As the clock ticked ahead of the much-awaited race, athletes said they are training hard in a base where many of the world's most lethal athletes prepare for international races.

After losing his momentum at the 38km mark during last year's marathon, Simon Kimtai Kwarat is plotting a return on Sunday.

Kwarat said Iten’s chilly weather and tough course was unlikely to be a tall order for him after he went back to train for the toughest conditions. He trains under Kip Run management in Iten.

"I am well prepared for this year’s race and I am praying for good results. It is my second attempt after I lost momentum at 38km in last year's race and ended up not securing a place in the top 20,” said Kwarat, who comes from Mt Elgon, but trains in Iten.

"My management has given me the nod to make another attempt this year."

He said he went back to build on his endurance and promised to improve on his time and be in the prize award bracket. Top 20 athletes are awarded.

Luke Kiprop and Naomi Chepkorir stormed to stunning victories in the second edition of the marathon last year.

This year’s 42km showdown is expected to produce surprises, just like the last two editions.

Kwarat’s training mate John Lomoni Iten said he is preparing to better time in the 10km thriller.

Lomoni, who finished third at this year’s 15km Iten race said the 10km competition will offer him a perfect opportunity to showcase talent at his training base.

“I have trained in Iten since January this year and I am excited because I will be competing in the course where I have been training in. Some sections are hilly, but I am well prepared to conquer it,” Lomoni said from his training base, yesterday.

"I will be using the Iten 10km race as part of preparations for international races.”

“I ran the Lukenya Half Marathon earlier in the year and that prepared me well for tougher races. I anticipate a tough competition in the 10km, but my target will be a podium finish.”

Lomoni, who comes from Nyandarua, is recovering from an injury but says that will not derail his ambition on Sunday.

Organisers said preparations for the third edition are in top gear and asked athletics enthusiasts to get ready for a thrilling showdown.