Simiu makes marathon debut as Kenya eyes to retain Chicago Marathon title
In honour of the late Kiptum, who had aimed to break the two-hour marathon barrier at the Rotterdam Marathon this year, participants will observe a minute of silence before today's race.
Kenya's Daniel Simiu, the world silver medalist in the 10,000 meters, is set to make his marathon debut today at the Chicago Marathon.
The 24-year-old athlete will enter uncharted territory as he tackles his first marathon race after undergoing four months of rigorous training in Iten, Elgeyo Marakwet County.
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The race is set to begin at 3.15 pm Kenyan time.
Many athletes have made history in their marathon debuts by securing victories despite their lack of experience. Notably, Ethiopia's Tigist Ketema won the 2024 Dubai Marathon in 2 hours and 16.07 minutes during her first attempt.
Similarly, world marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum claimed victory in his debut marathon at the 2022 Valencia Marathon, setting a course record of 2:01:53, the fourth-fastest time ever recorded at that time.
Kiptum, who set a world record of 2:00:35 at last year’s Chicago Marathon, tragically died in a road accident on February 11, 2024, along the Eldoret-Eldama Ravine road, along with his coach Gervais Hakizimana.
In honour of the late Kiptum, who had aimed to break the two-hour marathon barrier at the Rotterdam Marathon this year, participants will observe a minute of silence before today's race.
As the 45th edition of the Chicago Marathon gets underway, Kenyan athletes will aim to retain the title Kiptum won in 2023.
Kenyan contingent
Amos Kipruto, the 2022 London Marathon champion, is leading Kenya's contingent. Kipruto, who trains in Kapsabet, Nandi County, finished seventh at the 2023 Berlin Marathon and is looking to make a comeback. He holds a personal best time of 2:03:13.
Joining him is Vincent Ngetich, the third-fastest runner in the field, also boasting a 2:03:13 personal best. Ngetich, who trains in Kaptagat, Elgeyo Marakwet County, is hoping to build on his second-place finish from last year's Berlin Marathon.
John Korir, brother of former Boston Marathon champion Wesley Korir, will also compete, having placed fourth in last year’s Chicago Marathon and third in 2022.
In the women’s race, Ruth Chepng'etich, the 2021 and 2022 Chicago Marathon champion, will attempt to reclaim the title she lost to Dutch runner Sifan Hassan last year, which relegated her to second place.
Chepng’etich set a personal best of 2:14:18 when she won in 2022, a time that was 14 seconds faster than the then-world record held by Brigid Kosgei. However, that record has since been broken by Ethiopia's Tigst Assefa, who clocked 2:11:53 at the 2023 Berlin Marathon.
In the elite women's field, Ethiopia's Sutume Kebede, who holds a personal best of 2:15:55, is also a top contender. She will be competing alongside compatriots Degitu Azimeraw (2:17:58), Ashete Bekere (2:17:58), and Hiwot Gebrekidan (2:17:59).
Kenyan-born American Betsy Saina, who finished fifth at the Tokyo Marathon in March, will be eyeing a podium finish. Also joining the race is Joyciline Jepkosgei, the 2021 London Marathon champion with a personal best of 2:16:24.
Reflecting on the upcoming competition, Jepkosgei said, "Everybody prepared for the race, but my target is to run well after good preparations in Iten. We have a strong field, and I expect a fast race."
Completing the Kenyan women's lineup are Hamburg Marathon champion Irene Cheptai and 2018 Commonwealth Games 10,000-meter silver medalist Stacy Ndiwa, who has a personal best of 2:25:29.
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