Kenyans, Ethiopians to Renew Rivalry at Paris Marathon on Sunday

Published by Shanghai Daily on April 4, 2014

They might not have been the best of friends on track or in cross country meetings in their decade long relationship as elite athletes. 

Yet it is that resentment that organisers of Paris Marathon will be banking on to spice up the clash of multiple Olympic champion Kenenisa Bekele and Frankfurt Marathon silver medallist Mark Kiptoo (2:06.16).

"I know Bekele very well. We have clashed on numerous occasions at the Golden League and the cross country circuit. He is a great athlete, but it does not mean that the success he had on track will be transferred straight into marathon.

"These are two different competitions. He has a chance to excel in both, but I will provide the challenge and so will be the other athletes that have entered in this race. I too am a novice over the 42km distance, it will be my second marathon, but I am not as worried as I was when running in my debut in Frankfurt," Kiptoo told Xinhua on Thursday in Eldoret.

While everyone will be waiting to see if Bekele' s transition to marathon will be successful, Kiptoo, 37, will be hoping to keep his distance and strike when necessary.

"It is true I started running very late, just ten years ago. In this industry, it is not about the age, but how you manage your body. To avoid burning out, the discipline and focus you have on the sport and social life. I feel young and that is why I have entered into marathon. I hope to come out successful," said Kiptoo.