NAIROBI, Feb. 14 (Xinhua) -- Double world marathon champion Abel Kirui from Kenya has thrown down the gauntlet saying he will be going for Eliud Kipchoge's course record of 2:05:30 at the Hamburg marathon on April 28.
The 36-year-old London Olympic silver medalist said Thursday that he is gearing up to regain his top form.
Kirui holds personal best of 2:05:04 made at Rotterdam almost 10 years ago.
Speaking from his training camp in Eldore, Kirui said he is happy to have secured a slot to compete in Hamburg as he is eager to return to the top podium after missing it in London and Chicago in the 2018 season.
"Big news to my fans. I am happy to confirm that I will be running the Hamburg Marathon on April 28. Mark that date," said Kirui. "I'm focusing so much on it."
Indeed, Kirui has warned his training mate and Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge that he will be keen to end the six-year record he set in Hamburg back in 2013.
"It will be a big challenge for me as I will be preparing to beat Eliud Kipchoge course record. It will be a big show and I welcome fans to cheer me on," he said.
Kipchoge established this mark in 2013 when he won his debut marathon in Hamburg.
Current weather forecasts seem to be suitable for fast times, however conditions can change quickly near the Germany's North Sea coast.
Kirui will not only face the challenge of breaking the time but come up against Ethiopian duo of Ayele Abshero and Dibabe Kuma.
"I am going for the record and the win. It will be a big show and it is down to my training and not whom I will be running against," he added.
