Kirui, Kimetto among Kenyans chasing inaugural Cali Marathon title

Organisers of the inaugural Cali Marathon in Colombia, on Sunday, 4 May, are expecting a fast race after assembling a field with a half dozen national record holders, two sub-2:04 men and a sub-2:20 woman.

The men’s race is headlined by 2023 Boston Marathon silver medalist Gabriel Geay, a national record holder for both half-marathon (59:18) and marathon (2:03:00), while Helalia Johannes of Namibia, multiple national record holder including the marathon (2:19:52) and former Commonwealth champion (2018) is the favourite in the women’s race.

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While the Tanzanian carries the quickest time on paper, he faces some highly experienced marathon runners, led by double world champion (2009, 2011) and Olympic silver medalist Abel Kirui (2:05:54), and former world record holder (2014-2018) Dennis Kimetto, who is on what he terms as a ‘comeback tour’.

Kirui’s last recorded race in the classic distance dates back to 17 November 2024, where he clocked 2:14:43 at the Kobe Marathon in Japan. On his part, Kimetto made his comeback to competitive marathon running at this year’s Dubai Marathon on 12 January, going on to finish 15th in 2:14:56.

“I am happy to be in Cali again. I haven’t seen the course yet and the weather is much more humid than I am used to, but I will do my best to win on Sunday in a good time,” Geay, who is expected to lead the charge in breaking the best time of the only marathon run in Cali before – the Pan-American Games championship in 1971, won by 1972 Olympic champion Frank Shorter of the USA in 2:22:40, said.

The two most experienced runners in the field may be past their glory days, and it will be interesting to see how they cope with the over 1000m altitude. However, Geay will not have it easy, as three more Kenyans on the start line have what it takes to challenge for the podium.

Ronald Korir, who ran 2:04:22 in Berlin 18 months ago, Boniface Kiplimo, a 2:05:04 runner, and Eric Kiptanui, who carries a 2:05:47 PB from his victory at the Xiamen Marathon in 2021.

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Meanwhile, Johannes’ opposition in the women’s race comes mostly from East Africa, Jackline Sakilu of Tanzania (2:21:27), Emma Ndiwa of Kenya (2:25:14), Adenench Mekonnen of Ethiopia (2:26:01), and leading South American Rosa Chacha, the Ecuadorian record holder with 2:26:34.

“An injury prevented me from running my best at the Paris Olympics, but my training for Cali has gone well. I am hoping for a win,” she said during the pre-race press conference.

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