Kenyans confident of top spots in Delhi Half Marathon

The trio is proof that that running is a big industry back home. So much so, that as long as they can run, they are sure to make a lot of money for the future.

The trio was unified in their view when they said that running has brought them name, fame and prosperity. Without winning races on the rich European and US circuits, it would be difficult for them to maintain the lifestyle they have now.

They may not be a Paul Tergat, but each is a celebrity in his own right, and has a story to tell. They also mentioned the depth of talent that is available in Kenya in distance running.

Talking to reporters here today, Isaac, one of the several professional Kenyans who earn their living through running in Europe and the US, said that he doesn’t have a European agent or foreign experts to guide him, unlike many of his compatriots.

“My time doesn’t permit me to take lessons from experts in the field. So I devised my own training method,” said the 27-year-old runner. Isaac, whose training base is on the outskirts of Nairobi, is confident of winning the top slot. “I am in good shape. I hope to take home the trophy,” he said.

Caroline Kwambai, another top female runner who is here for the half marathon, has her eyes set on the top position. “It’s good money. I will try my best to take home the booty,” said the mother of three.

Her eldest child is 10 and the youngest is three.

Running, says Caroline, is her passion. And it was the passion that got her back to running in 1999, after she had given up in 1993. And though she said money was not the sole motivation, she admitted that the prize purse does help her to put her children in good schools.

And like many of her ilk, she too has invested in real estate. “It will help me in the future when I hang up my boots,” added Caroline, who was inspired by athletics legend Kip Kenio to take up running.

Alice Tembilli, the third Kenyan to arrive today, was among the top six runners in the women’s group in the just concluded IAAF world road running championships in Udine, Italy.

She too was confident of a good show. “Road races are my domain. I would like give of my best when I run,” she added.

But behind the success story of each one of them, says Ian Ladbrooke, coach-cum-manager of several top Kenyan runners, is a lot of hard work. “The Kenyan success story is a result of years and years of hard training that has helped them rise to the top. It is not an overnight success.” And that’s a lesson Indian athletes should learn.

Defending champs pull out

• The defending champions in both the men’s and women’s categories have expressed their inability to take part in this edition of the Delhi Half Marathon.

Both Francis Kibiwott and Lineth Chepkirui, winner of the men’s and women’s sections respectively in 2006, are on the injured list, said Ian Ladbrooke, athletics manager.

But that will not take away the sheen from the race as top runners like Wilson Kiprotich and Philip Rugut (both Kenyans) have confirmed their participation. The organisers are also hoping for a strong field in the women’s group.