John Langat, Reuben Kipyego to headline fierce competition at Madrid Marathon

John Langat, Reuben Kipyego to headline fierce competition at Madrid Marathon

Festus Chuma 08:42 - 28.04.2024

Elite runners are gearing up for Madrid Marathon featuring intense competition and strong international field aiming for records and victories.

2022 French Riviera Marathon champion John Langat is set to compete in the highly anticipated Madrid Marathon this Sunday bringing his formidable track record to a field brimming with international talent. 

Alongside Langat, Reuben Kipyego, the 2022 Rotterdam Marathon bronze medallist, is expected to be a strong contender.

Both athletes are among the highlights in a lineup that includes several other decorated runners.

Kipyego, with a personal best of 2:03:55 from the 2021 Generali Milano Marathon, is entering the race with high expectations.

"I've been preparing intensely for Madrid, aiming to replicate my performance in Milano or even surpass it," Kipyego shared in a pre-race interview. 

Langat, who clocked a personal best of 2:07:11 at the 2019 Eindhoven Marathon, also expressed his readiness. 

"Every race is a new challenge, but I'm coming to Madrid with the goal of setting a new personal record," Langat said. His history of strong performances, such as his second place at the 2016 Daegu Marathon, positions him as a serious contender.

The event itself promises to be a grand affair, with the organizers reporting a massive turnout.

 "The biggest race will be the half marathon with 20,000 participants, followed by the full marathon with 11,000 and the 10km with 9,000," the organizers announced, highlighting the growing popularity of the Madrid Marathon.

Adding to the competitive mix are Bernard Kimani, Haymanot Alew, and Fikre Bekele. Kimani, a bronze medallist at the 2020 Loop Den Haag Half Marathon, joins Alew and Bekele, champions from Mumbai and Rome respectively, setting the stage for a thrilling showdown. 

Hicham Laqouahi of Morocco, another name to watch, will be looking to make his mark following his bronze finish at the Taiyuan Marathon.

The women's race is equally stacked with top-tier talent, including Naomi Jebet, the 2020 Sofia Marathon champion. 

Jebet is poised to face stiff competition from Bontu Gada and Ayantu Abdi, both of whom have shown their prowess in recent international events.

 "I am excited about the level of competition. It's an opportunity to test my limits against some of the best in the field," Jebet commented during a press conference.

The local favorites, Tariku Novales and Jesús Ramos, are prepared to represent Spain with distinction. 

Novales, the 2020 Spanish Half Marathon Champion, and Ramos, the Huelva 10km Road Race champion, are eager to showcase their talents on home soil. 

"Racing in Madrid is always special. The home crowd gives us an extra boost, and I am looking to leverage that to my advantage," Ramos noted.

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