NAIROBI, June 26 (Xinhua) -- World 1,500m champion Elijah Manangoi has played down expectations of going for the world record at this year's Monaco Diamond League on July 12.
Manangoi, who has recovered from an injury suffered at the Stockholm Diamond League meeting, where he finished eighth, will nevertheless target a fast time in Monaco.
"I still hope to run a world record time in the 1,500m. If it comes my way, it will be good. I want to run my personal best in Monaco this year," said Manangoi on Wednesday in Nairobi.
Manangoi will lead the men's 1,500m field at the Monaco Diamond League. Olympic champion Matt Centrowitz and world indoor record-holder Samuel Tefera will also be present at a meeting recently characterized by fast metric mile times.
In a women's mile renamed in honor of U.S. runner Gabe Grunewald, who died this month, world 1,500m record-holder Genzebe Dibaba, world steeplechase record-holder Beatrice Chepkoech and former world indoor champion Sifan Hassan are the headliners.
"Sprinting has cost me in major competitions. But Monaco will offer me the chance to compete with fast runners and improve my speed. I look forward to doing well in the race," said Chepkoech.
