NAIROBI, Feb. 23 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan Lucy Kabuu who has shaken off her injury is eyeing to win the Nagoya marathon next month to redeem her career.
Kabuu, who previously had her camp pitched in Japan, holds a personal best time of 2:19:34 and has been training in Nairobi's Ngong area. She is certain she will be ready for the assignment on March 11.
The 34-year old first returned to action last year in Tokyo marathon but failed to finish as she suffered a recurrence of her niggling injuries. Prior to her performance last year, Kabuu had not raced for two years as she was nursing her ankle injury.
But with a fast time of 2:19:34 she remains the fastest on paper, although that time was achieved six years ago.
"It has been hard on me balancing family and training. The injuries have been a constant problem to my development, but I have overcome them. For the last one year, I have stayed injury free and focused on reconditioning my body back to my best form," said Kabuu, Friday in Nairobi.
"I want to give it all my best in Nagoya. It will mean a lot to me if I win." Kabuu will face stiff challenge from compatriot Valary Jemeli (2:20:53) and Flomena Cheyech Daniel (2:21:22).
A strong home contingent is headed by Sairi Maeda (2:22:48), Rei Ohara (2:23:20) and Mao Kiyota (2:23:47). Other notable entrants include Bahrain's Merima Hasen (2:23:06) and Ethiopia's Meskerem Assefa (2:24:18).
