Big names out as AK ring changes on Budapest marathon team

London Marathon champion Kelvin Kiptum and world marathon record holder Brigid Kosgei are among the top stars that have pulled out of Kenya's Marathon team for this year's World Championships in Budapest, Hungary.

Athletics Kenya (AK) unveiled a team of five men and an equal number of women in an event held Wednesday in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County.

Another notable athlete to pull out of the initial team that was released by AK a fortnight ago is the two-time New York City Marathon champion Geoffrey Kamworor who finished fifth last year in Oregon.

The new team of three starters and two reserves will now comprise of Titus Kipruto, Timothy Rono, Joshua Belet, Michael Githae and Bethwell Kipchumba.

On the other hand, the women's team is made up of; Tokyo Marathon champion Rosemary Wanjiru, Selly Chepyego, Shyline Jepkorir, Margaret Wangari and Betty Chepkwony.

AK vice president and director of competitions Paul Mutwii presided over the unveiling ceremony.

"We select marathoners according to their rankings and therefore I believe we have picked a strong team for the World Championships," said Mutwii.

Mutwii explained that the athletes will train individually before teaming up two weeks before departing to Budapest.

Full marathon team

Men - Titus Kipruto, Timothy Rono, Joshua Belet, Michael Githae, Bethwell Kipchumba.

Women - Rosemary Wanjiru, Selly Chepyego, Shyline Jepkorir,  Margaret Wangari and Betty Chepkwony.