Brigid Kosgei and Ruth Chepngetich to use controversial shoes in London Marathon

Athletics
By AFP | Oct 02, 2020
April 28, 2019 Kenya's Brigid Kosgei wins the women's elite race REUTERS

Kenyan duo Brigid Kosgei and Ruth Chepngetich will use controversial shoes worn by Eliud Kipchoge in the ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/sports/athletics/2001388507/family-friends-eagerly-awaiting-for-sundays-battle-of-titans">London Marathon Kenya's Kipchoge broke the two-hour barrier in an unofficial event in Vienna last October when he wore the platform Alphafly Next% shoes.

While the shoes allowed by World Athletics' regulations, they are estimated to improve running economy by up to eight per cent.

Kipchoge's record led to calls for the Nike shoes to be banned, but women's marathon world record holder Kosgei is adamant the runner makes the difference rather than the footwear.

FILE PHOTO: Athletics - Dubai Marathon - Dubai, United Arab Emirates - January 24, 2020 General view of an athlete wearing the Nike Vaporfly shoes REUTERS

Asked which shoes she would be wearing in the her London Marathon title defence, 2019 champion Kosgei said: "The ones Kipchoge will use.

"You know the shoes could not run. It is someone who can run, it's not the shoes, it does not depend on the shoes.

"If I use the training shoes and the body is not there, you cannot run good. So for me it's just the body which enables me to run good, it is not the shoes."

Kenya's Ruth Chepngetich competes in the Women's Marathon at the 2019 IAAF World Athletics Championships in Doha on September 27, 2019. (Photo by KARIM JAAFAR / AFP)

Kosgei's fellow Kenyan -- reigning world champion ="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/sports/category/378/athletics">Chepngetich< -- also confirmed she would wear the shoes.

Kosgei and Chepngetich said their training had been interrupted by the coronavirus pandemic, with their training camps both closed temporarily, leaving the pair having to train alone.

At the="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/sports/category/378/athletics"> Chicago Marathon< in October last year, Kosgei set a world record with a time of 2 hours 14 minutes 4 seconds, but she will not be targeting a better time on Sunday.

"We did not get a group like last year, (when) we are in groups together we just had to push each other. So it's not like in Chicago but I will try," she said.

Share this story
Kenya's Kimario is the new regional king
Following the victory, Kimario now takes his fight tally to 15 including 11 victories (6KOs), 3 defeats all Kos and a draw.
Year Ender: Why 2024 will be a year to remember
Some of the top stories outside the Olympics that made the headlines in 2024.
How Kibera Reformation and Transformation Centre is helping players to achieve their dreams
Kenyan Premier League (KPL) players who honed their skills at the KRTC are Edwin Shikokoti (Kariobangi Sharks FC), Erick Odhiambo (Tusker FC) and Edwin Zola (formerly of AFC Leopards SC).
Sons of the soil keep doing Africa proud
African players in Europe: Salah leads Golden Boot race after brace.
Seasoned sprinter Asamba clinches Tujiamini Initiative Nationwide Gold Award
Asamba's immediate focus is on qualifying for the World Athletics Indoor Championships set to take place in China in March 2025.
.
RECOMMENDED NEWS