London Marathon: Wanjiru eyeing team-mates help

Despite only running the distance five times in his short career, the 23-year-old has already achieved more than most athletes could ever dream of with a record of four wins and one second place. Before winning last year’s London Marathon, the Kenyan had captured Olympic gold in Beijing, clocking an Olympic record of two hours, […]

Despite only running the distance five times in his short career, the 23-year-old has already achieved more than most athletes could ever dream of with a record of four wins and one second place.

Before winning last year’s London Marathon, the Kenyan had captured Olympic gold in Beijing, clocking an Olympic record of two hours, six minutes and 32 seconds to announce himself as the world number one.

But despite his illustrious CV, Wanjiru admits concerns about the strength of the field in London this year and has called on his fellow countrymen – 2009 world marathon champion Abel Kirui and the second fastest marathon runner in history Duncan Kibet – to work with him to ensure a Kenyan 1-2-3.

“Although training has gone well and I have prepared the best I can, I feel a little unsure about how I will do this time,” Wanjiru said.

“I did have a back injury in January which kept me out for a month but that is all cleared up now and my body feels good.

“It’s a wonderful race because you are up against the best in the world and everybody wants to see who will win.

“But myself, Duncan and Abel don’t mind being up against each other and we are happy to fight each other to win as long as we all do well.

“We try to help each other during the race as much as possible and it is important we do that on

Sunday.”

While Wanjiru has experienced success in London before, Kibet and Kirui are making their debut in the capital and are determined to prove the strength of Kenyan marathon running.

Last year’s Rotterdam marathon winner Kibet is happy to play his part to ensure his teammates come out on top but the runner, who celebrates his 32nd birthday on Sunday, knows it will be every man for himself once finish line is within their sights.

“We need to help each other and maybe even have a breakaway together,” said Kibet.

“I’m in London to prove that I can perform well consistently and show that I’ve got more than a couple of quick races in me.

“On Sunday we all want to show what we can do, both together and as individuals.

“Whatever happens we will all celebrate together after the race together but obviously you are here because you want to win.

“I broke my leg badly as a 16-year-old and feared I would never walk again but now I have this chance to run in London and I want to take it with both hands..