World Half Marathon champion Geoffrey Kamworor will be the only man to have made a hat-trick should he win this year’s event in Valencia.
The police officer, turning 28 this November, will be keen to put an historic mark this weekend when he lines up to defend the title he won in the 2016 Cardiff edition.
Kamworor (59.08) dubbed “The man of all surfaces,” returns to a surface where many have tried but in vain. It’s only the legendary athlete Paul Tergat (1.01.50) who came close to winning twice in a row in 1999/2000.
In an event that dates back to 1992, Kamworor may therefore be joining the class of Tegla Loroupe, the only person (women’s event) to win a hat-trick in this showdown.
The most decorated legend, Loroupe made it from (1997–1999) thanks to the anchoring from the likes of her county mate Susan Chepkemei among others.
Kamworor, the man born in Chepkorio is already an icon and its seems all odds are in his favor. The gods of athletics are appeasing his surface for the man who won 2017 New York Marathon.
The versatile runner from Kenya has never disappointed. He has been a big man in recent Cross Country events. He has used Cross Country well as a pivot to stardom in track and road racing.
Now, all denominators indicate that it was necessary for him to give a wide berth to the just concluded African Cross Country Championship in Chlef Algeria, so he would fully focus on this prize; The Hat-trick!
Consequently, National Head coach Julius Kirwa has expressed confidence in reserve athlete, Alex Korio who took over from Bedan Karoki. The latter from military, took over from Karoki who chose to concentrate on upcoming London Marathon event.
“Yes, Alex is good and have no prob with him. He has been instrumental in all assignments given to him. Wishing him and the team all the best,” Kirwa told #RunKenya
KENYAN TEAM FOR VALENCIA
#Men: Leonard Barsoton, Geoffrey Kamworor, Alex Korio, Barselius Kipyego, Joram Okombo.
#Women: Fancy Chemutai, Ruth Chepngetich, Joyciline Jepkosgei, Pauline Kaveke, Mary Wacera.
