Kenya's 10km and 15km world record holder Leonard Komon will face a stiff challenge in his inaugural Eindhoven Marathon in the Netherlands, Oct 12.
Compatriots Jonathan Maiyo, Jafred Chirchir Kipchumba and Richard Sigei and Ethiopian duo of Tilahum Regassa and Deriba Mertga will pose the biggest threat to Komon, reports Xinhua.
"The plan has always been to run faster. I have always done my running with time inspiration. In Eindhoven with all condition remaining perfect, I can run under the two hours and five minutes mark. My target is to break the course record," said Komon.
Kenya's Dickson Chumba holds the current Eindhoven Marathon course record of 2:05:46, set in 2012.
"I think the course is very fast, it is a nice course and if the weather is good, I hope to clock a good time," Komon added.
"Some people in my training group ran in Eindhoven last year and so I already knew a little bit about the course but it is important to see it for yourself and I can say I am very happy," he said.
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But Komon will face a strong challenge from fellow countrymen Jonathan Maiyo, the fastest man in the field boasting a personal best of 2:04:56 set in 2012 Dubai race.
Maiyo, 26, struggled to find the same form in 2013 but after an extended period of preparation, the 2012 African Championships 5,000 metre silver medallist is ready to go under 2:05 again.
Another Kenyan, Jafred Chirchir Kipchumba can also be a threat having won the 2011 Eindhoven Marathon in what was then a course record of 2:05:48.
Injuries have stalled Kipchumba's progress in the past few years, but he will be eyeing a turnaround in fortunes at Eindhoven, where he propelled himself into the international spotlight three years ago.
The Kenyan contingent will face considerable opposition from traditional Rift Valley rivals - Ethiopia's Tilahum Regassa and Deriba Mertga, two well-known marathon runners.