Olympians Korir, Mukwana lead Kenya charge at Beirut International Marathon

Source: Xinhua| 2018-11-09 21:24:47|Editor: huaxia
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NAIROBI, Nov. 9 (Xinhua) -- Olympian Wesley Korir of Kenya will resume his racing career after years in politics when he returns to this Sunday's Beirut Marathon, and says he believes that he still has his best form to conquer the course.

The 35-year-old Kenyan, a winner of the Boston Marathon in 2012, has not raced in almost two years but is optimistic to pick up where he left off.

To succeed on Sunday he will have to be near his best, with Ethiopia's Bazu Worku, who has a best of 2:05:25 and was a winner at the Houston Marathon this year, also in the field.

Kenyans Ezekial Omullo and Andrew Ben Kimutai, Uganda's Felix Chemonges and Morocco's Mohamed Ahmami are also planning to attend.

"Everything has been well in training. I'm trying to get in shape after politics and run full-time again," said Korir on Friday in Nairobi. "Getting a win in Beirut will be a boost for me as I get back to the top level."

Korir has been championing for the criminalization of the doping offense in Kenya and says it is important to run and win clean.

"I return to marathon in Beirut and hopefully want to see everyone running and winning clean. There is no space for cheats in this country or sport," he added.

Korir believes if he runs well in Beirut and another race early next year, he will be in for selection to the World Championships in Qatar in October. Enditem

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