Faith Kipyegon chasing history again at World Athletics Road Running Championships

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ATHLETICS Faith Kipyegon chasing history again at World Athletics Road Running Championships

Festus Chuma 13:28 - 06.09.2023

The triple world record holder aims to make history in Riga as she competes in the World Athletics Road Running Championships.

Triple world record holder Faith Kipyegon is all set to make her mark at the inaugural World Athletics Road Running Championships in the vibrant streets of Riga on Sunday 1 October.

Team Kenya boasts an array of superstars, with Kipyegon leading the charge in her debut World Championship road mile appearance.

Kipyegon, who previously triumphed in the 1500 meters and 5,000 meters distances in Budapest, has her sights firmly set on conquering the road mile in Riga. 

In an interview with World Athletics, Kipyegon expressed her determination and aspirations for this groundbreaking race.

 "I am hoping to be the first woman to run a world road running over a mile, and I hope to see you there,” she said.

The race itself promises to be a spectacle, spanning from the elegant Latvian National Museum of Arts to the iconic Freedom Monument, providing a picturesque backdrop to the fierce competition.

As the athletes take to the streets of Riga, anticipation is building, with many speculating that this event could become the stage for a new world record in the mile distance.

While Kipyegon's quest for glory takes center stage, the Kenyan contingent boasts an impressive lineup in various categories. 

Lillian Kasait and Commonwealth Games 5000m champion Beatrice Chebet will proudly represent Kenya in the women's 5km distance, bringing their own exceptional talents to the competition.

Nelly Chepchirchir, along with the world 3000m steeplechase record holder Beatrice Chepkoech, adds further depth to the Kenyan team, promising to make their presence felt on the streets of Riga.

In the men's road mile, the stage is set for an epic showdown as Abel Kipsang and Reynold Cheruiyot prepare to go head-to-head, joined by none other than the 2019 World 1500m champion, Timothy Cheruiyot. 

In the men's 5km run, a trio of formidable Kenyan athletes, Nicholas Kimeli, Jacob Krop, and Cornelius Kemboi, will battle it out, showcasing their speed and endurance over the challenging distance

Finally, Peris Chepchirchir will take on the demanding half-marathon race, alongside Irene Kamais, adding another layer of excitement to Kenya's representation in the championship.