Kipketer leads Kenya charge in Amsterdam Marathon
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E-mail Xinhua, October 16, 2019
Kenya's Gideon Kipketer, Laban Korir and Jonathan Korir will lead the hunt for gold at this Sunday's Amsterdam Marathon in the Netherlands.
Kipketer, who was fourth in Amsterdam last year, is yet to win a marathon this season.
He failed to finish the Tokyo and London Marathons, but hopes his return to the Dutch capital will be another chance to redeem himself.
The trio will, however, face stiff competition from Kenyan-born Kaan Ozbilen of Turkey - formerly known as Mike Kipruto Kigen - and Ethiopia's Mule Wasihun.
"The forecast is promising, with temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees, not much wind and comfortable humidity levels. A tight regime in terms of mid-course times won't work. We will have to tailor the strategy during the race," said race director Cees Pronk.
Last year, Kenya's Lawrence Cherono set a new course record, winning his first Amsterdam Marathon in 2:05:09, also establishing a new personal best time. He has since gone on to win in Boston and last weekend won in Chicago.
"I was thrilled with last year's win. It was a good race on a flat course and the crowd was great," said Cherono.
