Both defending champions Daniel Ebenyo and Sutume Kebede of TSW 25K hope to defend their titles when they step on the starting line on Sunday, December 15.
The US $142,214 prize money race. With equal prize money for the men and women winners, the top three winners each stand to win $15000, $10000, and $7000, respectively. The runners will be further incentivised by an Event Record Bonus of US $5,000.
Daniel Ebenyo holds the current event record in the Men’s category, 1:11:13, and Sutume Kebede holds the Women’s record, 1:18:47.
Sutume Kebede, who changed her coach and recovered from a prolonged stomach problem to go on to win the last edition of Tokyo Marathon, said, “I have changed my coach. My husband coaches me now. I had time to prepare for this event. I am confident that I will be able to defend my championship.”
Asked who could be a tough competition, she said, “The women’s field is very strong. Everyone is very good. So it will be strong competition.”
Daniel Ebenyo, is not only the defending champion here but a bonafide track and road racer. Talking to the media he said, “I will try for a course record here. The weather is good, the course is very friendly.”
Ebenyo is coming on the back of winning the Vedanta Delhi Half Marathon. The first marathon for him was Chicago where he finished fifth. Talking about it, he said, “I came fifth. My coach was not happy. He asked me to continue to be focussed. I needed time to recover as Chicago was tough. But now I am fit and I know I can do better. I have unfinished business on track. A gold has eluded me and that is what I am looking at in the Tokyo World Championship. This race will help me.”
Also participating in the race is Benson Kipruto, a veteran of 16 marathon and Bronze medal winner in Paris Olympics and winner at Tokyo Marathon. Talking about his participation here, he said, “I have come prepared for the race. I want this to set off the next year. I will try and challenge for the winner’s spot “
Asked how the Paris medal changed his life, he said, “Now I am getting more invitation. It has given me recognition. I am building a house in Kenya now.”
Asked how does one prepare for road races, he said, “We run 30km everyday. Patience, Discipline and training is the key to success.”
