Kenyan Kirui eyes maiden medal at London Marathon

Chicago Marathon silver medallist Abel Kirui finished his training on Monday without any injury scares and said he is ready for his first medal attempt at the London Marathon on Sunday.

The 36-year-old Kenyan has battled injuries over the past few years, which saw him win only one race in Chicago in 2016. He has warned his critics that his desire to win a maiden medal in London is still very much alive, reports Xinhua.

"I did my last long run alone today plus hill sprints and I'm ready to go for the London Marathon," Kirui said on Monday from Eldoret.

However, it will be no walk in the park for the two-time world marathon champion.

Last year he lost to compatriot Bedan Karoki in the final sprint and had to settle for fourth place.

"I have done well to show that I still have the energy and the tactics to win big city marathons," he said.

But there will be bigwigs in the starting line-up led by Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge, who is seeking his third London Marathon gold after winning in 2015 and 2016.

"I have trained hard and deserve the credit and will continue to prove to my critics that I'm in the best shape of my life," Kirui said.

--IANS

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