Kirui going for elusive London Marathon podium

London 2012 Olympics Games marathon silver medalist Abel Kirui will be gunning to go one step better at this year’s London Marathon set for  April 22 after narrowly missing out on a podium place last year when he clocked 2:7:45 to finish fourth.

Compatriot Daniel Wanjiru won that edition in 2:05:48, with Ethiopian Kenenisa Bekele and Bedan Karoki who was making his marathon debut finishing second and third in 2:05:57 and 2:07:41 respectively.

It will be his fourth competitive visit to the English capital having finished fifth in 2010 in 2:08.04, failed to finish in 2011 and finished fourth last year.

“To be honest I have tried several times to get the podium in London. I hope God will answer my prayers this year. I fought hard last year and felt it was finally happening only for Karoki to beat at the final stretch. I almost swallowed him,” Kirui said bursting into laughter as he recalled how Karoki sneaked past him in the last kilometre.

After London, Kirui, started focusing on his Chicago Marathon title defense in on October 8 where he relinquished the crown to American Galen Rupp.

Rupp claimed the top honors in 2:09:20 as Kirui settled for second in 2:09:48 followed by his Global Sports Communication training partner, Bernard Kipyego (2:10:23).

“When I failed to hit my mark in London I returned and worked harder despite sustaining a tendon injury. I never expected Rupp could beat me to the Chicago title but he was strong on the day. All the same I was happy with being second,” he stated.

The 35-year-old who won World titles in 2009 and 2011 said he was contented by his last year’s performance which certainly did not go unnoticed as the Nandi County government pledged to rename Namgoi Street in his honour.

“The Nandi County Government saw it fit to recognize my work and efforts as a hero in athletics. They also said that there are plans for us to visit the president at State House.

“We had a chat with the Governor so I’m hopeful they will deliver on their promise. My family is very excited about the idea because getting a street named after you really is a big deal. Your children and the future generations that will follow will know I achieved a lot in my career. It will also motivate upcoming athletes when they see our names up there with the likes of Beijing Olympics men and women 800m champions Wilfred Bungei and Pamela Jelimo,” the father of three said.