WR holder Chepng'etich sets sights on London Marathon

Chepng'etich faced harsh words online from a section of her critics following her recent world record in Chicago, where she recorded a jaw dropping time of 2:09:56.

Kenya’s reputation as an athletics powerhouse has been tarnished in recent years due to doping allegations, but she was evidently disappointed seeing her success being associated with unsporting practices.

During the Kenya Prison Cross Country championship that was held at Ruiru on Saturday January 18, Chepngetich told journalists she was keeping focus ahead of this year's London Marathon, ignoring the ''insults"

“I keep positive since I have not done it (doped).This is a sensitive matter and people should avoid speaking about things they don’t fully understand. They need to be sure of what they are saying before making any claims.

"I train hard, I work hard before you see me running on those roads. It is a lot of sacrifice, and it is really disappointing for people to open such a debate - out of nowhere,” said Chepngetich.

The 2019 world champion in Doha is hoping for a maiden victory in the London Marathon; set for April 27.

“I'm praying for a good race, and that victory comes my way. This is my first race of the season (Prison Cross Country Championship), so I want to continue preparing well ahead of the London Marathon.

"I will compete in Athletics Kenya National Cross Country Championship on February 8 in Eldoret and perhaps one Half Marathon race before going to London,” she revealed.

Chepngetich will take on other world beaters including Olympic champion Sifan Hassan and two-time Berlin Marathon champion Tigst Assefa, who held the world record (2:11:53)  before she smashed it

Former Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir, Joyciline Jepkosgei and Ethiopia's Megertu Alemu.