Kandie to lead Kenyas charge at World Half Marathon

Kibiwott Kandie is ready to lead Kenya’s charge at the World Half Marathon slated for October 17 in Gydnia Poland.

Athletics Kenya (AK) has revealed the final squad of 10 athletes; five men and an equal number of women for the global event that was initially set for March 29 before it was postponed owing to coronavirus.

With the absence of three-time champion Geoffrey Kamworor who was left out of the squad, Kandie will team up with Leonard Barsoton, Morris Munene, Bernard Kipkorir and Bernard Kimeli.

Having won the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon in February and recently the Prague Half in September, the in-form Kandie is ready for the championships.

“I am going for a win in Poland going by my training so far and still I will be training till we leave the country,” said Kandie.

The Kenyan contingent will be wary of other world beaters that include world 10,000m champion Joshua Cheptegei who will be leading his compatriots in Poland.

Kandie is however optimistic of toppling the record-breaking Ugandan maestro who has been on a red-hot form in recent times.

“I don’t fear anybody including Cheptegei because I only believe in myself and the preparations I have had,” said Kandie who trains in Ngong, under the tutelage of his tactician John Korir.

The women’s team has Half Marathon record holder and former champion Peres Jepchirchir, former world record holder Joyciline Jepkosgei, Dorcas Jepchumba, Brillian Jepkorir and Rosemary Wanjiru.

AK Vice President in charge of competitions Paul Mutwii hailed the athletes as a competitive team that will bring home the medals.

“The technical committee in AK selected a very strong team base on the world ratings and I believe this is the best team to represent us in Poland,” said Mutwii.

According to Mutwii the team will depart for the Polish city on October 15 and athletes will not be placed in a residential camp.

“The athletes will continue training individually until we assemble them on October 14 and then they will leave a day later for Poland,” he said.

Former world marathon record holder Patrick Makau has been appointed as the head coach of the team and will be deputized by Jonathan Biwott.

AK western region chairman Patrick Kipsang is the team manager while legendary athlete Catherine Ndereba is the team’s chaperone.

Final squad

Men

Kibiwott Kandie

Bernard Kipkorir

Morris Munene

Bernard Kimeli

Leonard Barsoton

Women

Peres Jepchirchir

Brillian Jepkorir

Joyciline Jepkosgei

Dorcas Jepchumba

Rosemary Wanjiru

Officials

Patrick Kipsang- team manager

Patrick Makau- coach

Joanathan Biwott- assistant coach

Catherine Ndereba- chaperone