Kenyans lead strong field at Vienna City Marathon

Justus Kangogo, Asbel Rutto and Stanley Kurgat will lead the men’s elite field as they target personal best times on the streets of the Austrian capital.

Kangogo, who has a lifetime best of 2:05:57, is the fastest in the field while Rutto, who is fresh from breaking the Rome course record with 2:06:24 last year, will be another strong contender.

“I am a frontrunner. When you stay behind, you cannot win. On Sunday, my goal is to run a PB,” he said.

Kangogo added: “I’m also a frontrunner. We’ll work together, and celebrate at the finish.”

Kurgat, who paced last year’s Vienna race up to the 32km mark, is back with a PB of 2:07:05 and with course experience on his side, he is confident of a strong finish.

“This time I’ll run 10km more and hope to break my personal best. Even if it’s cold, it will still be a good race.”

Pacesetters are expected to push the lead group through halfway in 62:30–62:45.

With temperatures expected to hover just above freezing, the course record of 2:05:08 could come under threat if the conditions hold up.

Other Kenyans in the mix include Douglas Chebii (2:06:31), last year’s runner up Bernard Muia and Wisley Kibichii, who makes his debut after running 59:57 for the half marathon.

Kenyans in the elite field – men’s PBs:

Justus Kangogo – 2:05:57

Asbel Rutto – 2:06:24

Douglas Chebii – 2:06:31

Stanley Kurgat – 2:07:05

Charles Ndiema – 2:08:12

Benard Kimeli – 2:08:34

Bernard Muia – 2:09:17

Mica Cheserek – 2:09:26

Kipsambu Kimakal – 2:09:41

Geoffrey Koech – 2:10:12

Edward Koonyo – 2:11:24

Evans Yego – 2:12:56

Henry Kichana – 2:13:06

Wisley Kibichii – Debut

Others to watch:

Haftamu Abadi (ETH) – 2:10:33

Lemawork Ketema (AUT) – 2:10:44

Gadisa Tajebe (ETH) – 2:11:02

Andreas Vojta (AUT) – 2:13:43

Andrew Davies (GBR) – 2:14:23

Daverso Ramos (PER) – 2:14:25

Mogos Tuemay (ETH) – Debut