Marathon stars Wilson Kipsang and Edna Kiplagat heading to Olomouc
The brightest constellation in the marathon world is getting ready to light up this year’s 5th ever Mattoni Olomouc Half Marathon on June 21.
Marathon world record holder, Wilson Kipsang and two-time world champion Edna Kiplagat flew into Prague from Kenya and are on their way to the venue for this Saturday’s race – Olomouc.
“As soon as we spotted them both cross the finish line at this year’s London marathon, we knew they’d be coming here, to the Czech Republic. It’s another dream come true for us,” revealed President of the Organising Committee of the RunCzech Running League Carlo Capalbo and Jana Moberly, Manager of Elite Athletes taking part in the series.
“I’m really pleased to also be able to run in the Czech Republic. It’s going to be great preparation for my next marathon in the autumn, I want to run fast,” said Wilson Kipsang, who is capable of completing the half marathon in 58:59.
When asked whether she wants to beat her personal best time of 1:07:41 from two years ago, Edna Kiplagat didn’t give much away: “I’m also getting ready for the autumn race. I’ve changed my training; time will tell what difference it makes.”
Visiting the Running Mall in Prague, Kipsang made reference to the legendary Emil Zátopek: “I admire him for what he did. To win three Golds at one Olympic Games on different courses? I think that nobody will ever manage that again even though there are so many amazing runners out there. And the 5 km and marathon distances are completely different kinds of run.”
He went on to speak about his record marathon which he ran last year in Berlin (2:03:23). However his path to glory can hardly be described as short. It’s estimated that the runner has clocked up around eight thousand kilometres over the course of the past eleven years…
The first woman to succeed at defending the women’s world champions title has also managed to find time to have a family. “I spend most of my time training at home. My husband is my trainer and assistant, he really helps me out a lot. Whenever I come home after training, I have time to rest. And whenever I go abroad for a few days, I know that he is doing a good job at taking care of the children,” a complementary Kiplagat reveals.
For the first time in the history the Mattoni Olomouc Half Marathon, IAAF Silver Label race, will be live broadcasted online with English commentary. You can watch the race on Saturday, 21 June, starting from 18:50 until 21:00 CEST at the link www.sport.cz/videoprenos/olomouc.
