Ruth Chebitok and Elisha Rotich part of 16 Kenyans in Paris Marathon.

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ATHLETICS Ruth Chebitok and Elisha Rotich part of 16 Kenyans in Paris Marathon.

Abigael Wafula 15:25 - 01.04.2023

Will the course records be shattered on Sunday?

The 2018 Barcelona Marathon champion Ruth Chebitok and the 2018 Eindhoven Marathon champion Elisha Rotich will lead a contingent of 16 Kenyan athletes to Sunday’s, April 2, Paris Marathon.

In the men’s field, Rotich is the second fastest with a personal best time of 2:04:21. He goes back to Paris with an aim of replicating his 2021 performance that saw him clinch the title on the same course. The win saw him set a new course record and he might be keen to shatter it in Sunday’s race.

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He will enjoy the company of compatriots Laban Korir, Josphat Boit, Kipkemboi Kiprono, and Noah Kipkemboi. Other Kenyans in the race include Evans Sambu, Elkanah Langat, Simon Cheprot, and debutant Isaac Cheluko.

World Marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge’s pacer Korir is also one to watch when the race starts. He is the sixth fastest in the field with a lifetime best of 2:05:41.

Ethiopians will be keen to spoil the Kenyans’ party as the race has also attracted the 2021 Berlin Marathon champion Guye Adola. Another Ethiopian who will prove a tough nut to crack is Adeledelew Mamo.

Together, Adola and Mamo will be a force to reckon with considering their outstanding performances in the previous races. Adola is the fastest in the field with a PB time of 2:03:46. 

The race will be his first international assignment since 2021. On his part, Mamo is the third fastest in the field behind Rotich with a PB time of 2:05:12. He has never won any of his international marathons and this might be a chance to prove himself.

In the women’s field, Ethiopia’s Etagegne Woldu is the fastest in the field with a PB time of 2:20:03. This will be her third marathon after taking part in the 2021 and 2022 Valencia Marathons where she placed second in her debut and eighth in last year’s edition.

She will battle it out with Chebitok who also has a decorated career over the distance. She settled for second place at last year’s Vienna and Toronto Marathons in April and October respectively. She is the second fastest in the field with a PB time of 2:21:03.

Chebitok will be joined by compatriots Helah Kiprop, Linet Masai, Judith Jerubet, Gladys Chepkurui, Winfrida Moseti, and Euliter Tanui.

The course record of 2:19:48 set by Judith Korir at last year’s edition might also be at stake considering the quality of the field in this year’s event.

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