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Brimin Misoi, the 2022 Frankfurt marathon champion, will be seeking to defend his Nairobi Marathon title for a second time this Sunday.

Misoi is among star athletes expected to take part in this year’s race, which will be run mostly on the Expressway, making it one of the unique races to be run thus in Africa and beyond.

The Kapkitany-based runner, who has been training in high altitude in readiness for the challenge, said his body has been responding well in training and he was ready to rumble.

“My body is in good shape. I am ready and focused to defend my title in Nairobi,” said Misoi.
So far, more than 3,500 athletes have confirmed that they will take part in the spectacular event.
Last year, Agnes Barsosio trounced strong competitors to win the women’s race in 2:24:45 as Shyline Jepkorir (2:29:04) and Sharon Jemutai (2:29:37) finished second and third respectively. 

This year, organisers have made numerous changes to reduce congestion, including ensuring that the various races end at different points.

After using the Expressway, the runners in the full marathon will finish their race at the Nyayo National Stadium.

Yesterday, Misoi was optimistic that he will on Sunday improve on his time.

“Last time, we started the race when the sun was out, which affected me, but this time we will start early and that is a good thing,” said Misoi, who is also the 2018 Greece marathon champion.
“I will not try to attempt the world record, running for world record is not easy; it just come by itself while you are in the race”.

Misoi joined the Kapkitany camp in 2017 after his high school studies at Kapkitony high school in Elgeyo Marakwet County. 

The two-time Standard Chartered Marathon champion downplayed competition from elite athletes this time round.

“I am targeting a podium finish at the race, which I know will be tough.”

Meanwhile Iten marathon champion Samwel Naibei is also eyeing a podium finish.

Naibei told People Sport that he, too, was seeking to improve on his time.

He recently competed at the Nelson Mandela Half Marathon in South Africa as part of his preparation for Nairobi marathon.

“I ran 61 seconds which was a good time to me as I prepared for Nairobi Marathon. I am also hoping to improve on my time of 2.08, which I got in the Iten International Marathon,” he said.