The secrets behind Abel Kirui's longevity in marathon

Legendary marathoner Abel Kirui has disclosed the secrets behind his dominance in marathon. The former Chicago Marathon champion has been running marathons for 18 years now.

Speaking to Mozzart Sport during the Iten International Marathon held on Sunday 12, Kirui who won silver in the 2012 Olympics revealed that discipline, hard work, and focus are must-haves for athletes.

"When you come to running, you need to maintain the discipline of waking up early in the morning, following the rules of running; sleeping, and eating well," he said.

The double world marathon champion further explained how he juggles between his career as a senior police officer, a professional athlete, a husband, and a father.

"It calls for dedication. Early in the morning, I go to work first, sort out some issues then ask for a break to go for training. While I am training, my deputy assists me. After training, I go back to the station and continue with my daily job. After that, I go back to my family," he averred.

For Kirui, the line that separates his running career from his job as a police officer is blurred. According to him, the skills honed on the track have seamlessly woven into his job.

"All of these takes discipline," he started. "When serving people, you need to be disciplined and be fair to all people. When it comes to running, you need to maintain the discipline as well. If you are at work, you need to obey the program of the police, you need to multitask. You put your shoe where it is required to be at a given time," he offered.

Kirui who is itching to represent Kenya in the Paris 2024 Olympics also called on his fellow athletes to put their best foot forward in order to contribute to the wanting nation's medal tally.

"Actually, this is not a joke, Kenya needs medals. When you are selected, note that opportunities come once in a lifetime. I urge you to be disciplined and focused and make a blueprint," the concerned Kirui said.

The marathoner who won back-to-back world marathon titles in 2009 and 2011 in Berlin and Daegu respectively, urged Athletics Kenya to support the athletes by offering better logistical plans.

“Paris will be very competitive and we must all plan early enough. AK should prepare to take athletes to training camps early. The earlier the better," said Kirui who won the Chicago marathon in 2016 before finishing second the following year.

Benjamin Cheptalam: 71 year old fresh off Iten International Marathon debut

Kirui is now preparing for the Fukuoka Marathon slated for December 3 where he is aiming a podium finish. The former Olympic Games marathon silver medallist said he will be targeting the podium this time round after failing last year due to an injury.

He finished 5th in 2:07.38 during the race won by Israeli Maru Taferi last year in 2:06.43. Kenyan duo Vincent Raimoi (2:07.01) and Michael Githae (2:07.28) took second and third positions respectively.