NAIROBI, Nov. 2 (Xinhua) -- Peter Kimeli Some of Kenya and Bahrain's Marius Kimutai will start as favorites at the Hangzhou Marathon in China on Sunday.
Some, former Paris Marathon champion, hopes to improve his best time of 2:05:38 alongside winning the title.
"There are no injury concerns and I am hopeful to excel and win the race in my second show in China on Sunday," said Some.
Kimutai, 26, has also been triumphant in China. The 2:05:47 performer claimed the 2014 Danzhou Marathon title and more recently took the top honor at the Taiyuan International Marathon two months ago with a clocking of 2:09:43.
"I like to train at home in Kenya despite representing Bahrain. It has the best conditions and I still view my rivals like Some as my brothers. It will be hard, but I feel I have the best preparations and look forward to winning," said Kimutai.
It will be Kimutai's third race in China this year and his eyes may not be only set on the top podium but also on the course record of 2:10:33 achieved by Azmeraw Bekele of Ethiopia two years ago.
The women's race will be led by Agnes Jeruto Barsosio of Kenya. The 37-year-old has earned podium finishes in eight consecutive marathons since October 2014, including recording a best time of 2:20:59 to finish second in Paris two years ago.
