Chicago marathon champion Dennis Kimetto of Kenya will return to the road after a disappointing race in Boston, keen to conquer the course at the Mattoni Half Marathon Olomouc in the Czech Republic Saturday.
Kimetto, who holds the course record for Chicago Marathon 2:03:45, will not find it easy in the sixth largest Czech city, as he comes up against compatriot and world marathon record holder Wilson Kipsang, reports Xinhua.
"I was not happy with my run in Boston. I had expected to do well, but again, this is competition and the athlete with the best form carries the day," Kimetto said Friday.
"On the mission in Czech Republic, I believe I am in good shape having recovered from the grueling run in Boston. I have recovered fully and will be focusing on running my own race even though I know Kipsang will be there and will try to win the race."
Kipsang regained his London Marathon title earlier this year, breaking the course record with his world-leading 2:04:29.
In his only race since then, the Great Manchester 10km, he was defeated by multiple world record-holder Kenenisa Bekele, but Kipsang will be more at home with the longer 21km distance in Olomouc as he contests his first ever race in the Czech Republic.
The Olympic bronze medalist won the Granollers Half Marathon earlier this year and his personal best time over the 21km distance is 58:59, set in 2009.
In the women race, two-time world marathon champion Edna Kiplagat is undoubtedly the favourite.
Earlier this year, Kiplagat finally won the London Marathon after finishing second for three years in succession.
