M. KisengeKiptum, Kosgei in as Athletics Kenya name strong marathon team for Budapest
Reading Time: 2min | Fri. 02.06.23. | 18:45
Rotterdam Marathon silver medalist Timothy Kiplagat Rono and Commonwealth bronze medalist Michael Githae are in the men's reserve team
The second fastest marathoner Kelvin Kiptum and women’s record holder Brigid Kosgei have been included in the Kenyan team for the 2023 World Athletics Championships set for August 19-27 in Budapest, Hungary.
The two marathoners headline the strong team for Budapest released by Athletics Kenya on Friday.
The championships will see the on-song Kiptum who, doubles up as the London Marathon champion don the famous Team Kenya’s red vest for the first time.
Kiptum will enjoy the company of former world half marathon record holder Geoffrey Kamworor and the 2022 Amsterdam Marathon silver medalist Titus Kipruto.
Rotterdam Marathon silver medalist Timothy Kiplagat Rono and Commonwealth bronze medalist Michael Githae were named as the reserves.
Kosgei, who withdrew from this year’s London Marathon citing a hamstring injury makes comeback to Team Kenya after the Tokyo Olympics.
She was named in the team alongside Tokyo Marathon champion Rosemary Wanjiru and Sheila Chepkirui who finished fourth in London in April.
Selly Kaptich and and and Commonwealth Games silver medalist Margaret Wangari are in the reserve team.
The inclusion of Kiptum comes nearly two months after setting the second fastest time in the streets of London.
Kiptum clocked two hours, a minute and 27 seconds to clinch the top honours as well as a new course record.
He finished ahead of Kamworor who was in the 2021 World Athletics championships held in Oregen where he finished fourth.
Kenya last won the title in 2017 through Geoffrey Kirui who ran away with gold in London. Kirui finished eighth in the subsequent edition in Doha, Qatar.
Kipruto who finished third in the Mozzart Bet powered Nandi Road race in 2022 will be debuting for Team Kenya.
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Meanwhile, Kosgei will lead the women’s team that will be hoping to reclaim the title last won by Ruth Chepngetich in 2019.
The latter failed to finish the race in Oregon due to stomach hiccups.
Gotytom Gebreslase of Ethiopia holds the title after clocking 2:18:11 in Oregeon.
