Kenyans poised for Rotterdam hat-trick

Kenya, who have provided the winner of the Rotterdam marathon for the last two years, are ready to dominate Sunday’s race, urged on by the prospect of a bonus of 250,000 euros ($222,800) for any runner who can better the new world best time.

Moroccan-born American Khalid Khannouchi lowered his own world best by four seconds to 2 hours 5 minutes 38 seconds in winning the London Marathon last Sunday.

But even on the fast Rotterdam course, it will still be a tall order despite the fact that Kenyan runners have dipped under 2 hrs 8 min on four occasions in the Dutch race.

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Kenneth Cheruiyot won two years ago in 2:08.22 but broke the 2:08 barrier last year in 2:07.18.

But that time was still only quick enough to earn him second place.