NAIROBI, April 24 (Xinhua) -- Chicago marathon champion Brigid Kosgei from Kenya said here Wednesday that she will have her revenge in London on Sunday to win her debut gold against a strong challenge from Kenyan and Ethiopian runners.
The 25-year-old, who was second in London last year, believes she holds the future of women marathon runners in Kenya and has shown flashes of her talent this year winning in the two test run events she competed - Houston Half Marathon and Bahrain Night Half Marathon in Manama clocking fast time of 65 minutes.
"I took part in the races to gauge my preparedness and I am happy with the score card. London will be different because of the deep field lining up," said Kosgei.
With a personal best time of two hours, 18 minutes and 35 seconds, Kosgei ticks in most boxes of a potential winner of London.
Last year, the harsh weather condition and hot sun slowed her down as she trailed champion Vivian Cheruiyot.
"Last year, I struggled with the temperature which kept changing and I came second. It was very hot when we finished the race. But this year, I have prepared for all weather conditions and my target is to win the race," said Kosgei.
In London in 2018, Kosgei finished second in 2:20:13 before going on to smash her best time with 2:18:35 when winning at the Chicago Marathon six months later.
"My training has gone well and there are no injury concerns. I will not go too fast to wreck my plans, but will time myself and strike when needed," said Kosgei, adding that she was ready to face any opponent.
Her coach, former Honolulu Marathon champion Erick Kimaiyo, is confident Kosgei will shine on Sunday.
Kosgei will be up against New York marathon champion Mary Keitany, defending champ Cheruiyot, Gladys Cherono, the Berlin marathon champion and Linet Masai, who is yet to get her marathon career off the blocks.
Masai has a best time of 2:23:46 from Amsterdam. The other two athletes are Ethiopians Roza Dereje and Birhane Dibaba.
