Fastest marathon runner Geoffrey Mutai to compete in Prague

Geoffrey Mutai

Nairobi, Aug 30 (IANS)

With the focus on defending his New York Marathon title, world's fastest marathon runner Geoffrey Mutai will be keen to test his speed in Czech Republic on 6^th September.

Though Mutai's fastest time of 2:03.02 was not ratified by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF) because the Boston Marathon had steep start and finish points, the New York Marathon champion will be eyeing a fast time when he returns to the United States after poor run in London where he finished fifth.

But there is a small matter of a sprint road race Sep 6 when he comes up at the RunCzech Running League, is the Birell 10 km in Prague.

"I have done enough training and will be keen to assess my speed. Winning is important but the crucial thing will be to test my body and see how it responds in such events with top stars around," said Mutai Friday.

The race will see the fastest marathoner of all time, who holds a 27:19 in 10 km against a relative newcomer to the international running scene Geoffrey Ronoh.

Ronoh has two half marathon wins under his belt this year -- a 60:17 in Olomouc, Czech Republic, and then a 59:45 personal best time in Klagenfurt, Germany, last weekend.

Another top contender is Daniel Chebii (27:35) who looks evenly matched with Mutai in the 10 km. Helah Kiprop (31:19) of Kenya and Esther Chemtai Ndiema (31:27) have run under that mark in the past.