NAIROBI, April 5 (Xinhua) -- Houston Half Marathon silver medalist Fancy Chemutai believes she will be strong enough to challenge the course record in Prague, her second race since shaking off an ankle injury in January.
The 25-year-old, a former world half marathon bronze medalist, will be leading Kenya's charge in the Czech Republic capital as she targets her first win since triumphing at the RAK Half Marathon in Dubai back in February 2018. The Prague Half Marathon will take place on Saturday.
She said the current world half marathon record held by compatriot Joyciline Jepkosgei of 64:52 might be a hard nut to crack.
"I have been in good form for some time after the injury healed. It is a challenge for me in Prague but when I say I am back to my full potential, it means I have gauged myself. I will still fight for medals. I have sat down with my coach and I believe I have a chance to race again," said Chemutai on Friday from Iten.
Chemutai had planned to launch her full marathon career in 2019, but that plan will have to be shelved as she gauges her body on return from injury.
"I have plans to run the full marathon, but the injury slowed me down. With an ankle problem in my preparations, I have lost some important training days, but so extremely proud I made it this far," she said.
European 10,000m champion Lonah Chemtai Salpeter, a former Kenyan, who has since switched her allegiance to Israel, is looking to lower her lifetime best in the Prague Half Marathon.
"I'm realistically seeing the possibility to improve my personal best and will aim to win the race on Saturday which I know will not be an easy task because of the high level women's field," Chemtai, who trains in Iten said.
Chemtai Salpeter faces a line-up including Kenyans Chemutai (64:52) and Caroline Kipkirui (65:07) and world marathon bronze medalist Amy Cragg from the United States (68:27).
The men's line-up is headed by world leader Stephen Kiprop from Kenya who won the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon in 58:42 and reigning champion Bernard Kimeli who won last year in 59:47.
