Replacements named after top marathorners withdrew from World Championships

ATHLETICS Replacements named after top marathorners withdrew from World Championships

Abigael Wafula 08:48 - 15.06.2023

Four athletes have withdrawn from the global show since there are lucrative marathons

The 2022 Abu Dhabi Marathon champion Timothy Kiplagat and the 2022 Frankfurt Marathon champion Selly Kaptich will replace the top marathoners who withdrew from Team Kenya contingent for the World Championships in Budapest, Hungary from August 19 to 27.

Joshua Belet, who finished second at the Haspa Marathon earlier this year, has also been added to the men’s list. Enschede Marathon champion Shyline Jepkorir has also been included in the women’s field.

The two women join Tokyo Marathon champion Rosemary Wanjiru after the withdrawal of women’s world marathon record holder Brigid Kosgei and Commonwealth Games 10,000m bronze medallist Sheila Chepkirui. The reserves in the squad remain untouched (Margaret Wangari Muriuki and Betty Chepkwony).

In the men’s field, Kiplagat who was initially a reserve has now been promoted to the main team and Belet will now make Team Kenya for the first time.

They replace reigning London Marathon champion Kelvin Kiptum and three-time World Cross-country champion Geoffrey Kamworor. The duo joins the 2022 Telepass Milano Marathon Titus Kipruto. Michael Githae and Bethwel Kibet will remain as reserves.

The four athletes have withdrawn from the global show since there are lucrative marathons, the World Major Marathons, lined up before the year ends. They include the Berlin Marathon scheduled for September 24, Chicago Marathon (October 8), and New York City Marathon (November 5).

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