Athens-bound Kipkorir pulls out of StanChart Marathon

The Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon is set to have a new men’s winner after the reigning champion Brimin Kipkorir pulled out of this year’s field in order to prepare for the Athens Marathon set for November 11.

Kipkorir who won last year’s race in 2:12:39 said he could not defend his crown since the event comes only two weeks before he debuts at the Greek capital.

The 30-year-old said he learnt a lot from the 2017 StanChart race which he says ‘opened a lot of opportunities’ for him, something he says is a good avenue for other athletes to follow on his footsteps in this year’s event.

“After participating in the Standard Chartered Nairobi marathon race, I can say that a lot of opportunities have come by and I think this is an ideal event for other athletes to also make a statement in the forthcoming race,” Kipkorir, who trains at Kapkitony in Elgeyo Marakwet County, said.

Kipkorir’s preparations were hampered by injury after he sprained his ankle in April but says he is fully fit and is targeting a podium finish in Athens.

“I have battled with an ankle injury since April but I am happy that currently I have returned to full fitness ahead of the race,” Kipkorir said.

Only six days remain to the 2018 race which will see the winner pocket Sh1.5m prize money for in the 42km race men and women, Sh650,000 for the runners up and Sh350,000 for the second runners up.

In the 21km race, the winner will go home with Sh200, 000, runners up will pockets Sh150, 000 as bronze medalist walks away with Sh100,000.