Chepkwony sets sights on VnExpress Marathon Marvelous Nha Trang course record after overcoming visa hitch

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ATHLETICS Chepkwony sets sights on VnExpress Marathon Marvelous Nha Trang course record after overcoming visa hitch

Abigael Wafula 13:12 - 09.08.2023

Chepkwony had earlier registered to participate in VnExpress Marathon Imperial Hue 2023 but had a visa problem and could not enter Vietnam.

Victor Chepkwony is a man on a mission as he aims to break the course record at the VnExpress Marathon Marvelous Nha Trang on Sunday, August 13.

In order to achieve the goal, Chepkwony has been training daily, running an average of 200km a week and he is banking on his hard work to deliver. His Personal Best time currently stands at 2:19:00 which he set during the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon in 2019.

"I think my performances are good," Chepkwony said, as quoted by VN Express International.

Chepkwony had registered to participate in VnExpress Marathon Imperial Hue 2023 but had a visa hitch and could not enter Vietnam. At that time, the 27-year-old runner already set the goal of breaking the Vietnamese marathon record.

"I was very disappointed when I could not go to Vietnam last time. At that time, I was in good shape to break the record. I hope everything goes well this time.

"I will try to break the record of the VnExpress prize system Marathon. The goal is to do under 2 hours and 30 minutes," said Chepkwony.

Currently, the 42 km distance record of the VnExpress Marathon system is 2:30:03, set by Chepkwony's compatriot, Ezekiel Kemboi, at Ho Chi Minh City Midnight 2023.

In 2022, Chepkwony finished second in Phetchaburi Marathon in 2:25:00. After that, he won first place in Songkla Marathon after 2:29:00 and Phang-nga Marathon after 2:22:00.

On June 18, he finished first in the 21 km race at Hatyai21 Run Awakening in Thailand in 1:7:34.

Chepkwony went to Vietnam to participate in a half marathon in June. VnExpress Marathon Marvelous Nha Trang 2023 will be his first time running a full marathon here.

He has participated in many events in Thailand and thinks the weather conditions in the two countries are similar, and he will not have much difficulty adapting.

Chepkwony also said that the running movement in Vietnam has great potential for development, and tournaments can attract the attention of more foreign athletes if they are well organized.

"I was amazed by the friendliness of the Vietnamese people. They helped me a lot," he said.

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