Listen to This Article Enhance your reading experience by listening to this article.

A high-octane battle is expected in the 2024 Olympic Games between Kelvin Kiptum and marathon great Eliud Kipchoge after both were named on Kenya’s provisional list.

Kiptum emerged as a new force to reckon with in the distance after recently setting a new record, breaking Kipchoge’s high bar, during his run in the Chicago Marathon in October.

Amos Kipruto, the 2022 London Marathon winner; Benson Kipruto, a previous winner in the Chicago and Boston Marathons; Vincent Ng’etich, who was second at the 2023 Berlin Marathon; Timothy Kiplagat; Bernard Koech; and two-time New York Marathon winner Geoffrey Kamworor are also on the list.

Titus Kipruto and Cyprian Kotut have also been given slots in the team.

Athletics Kenya also assembled a strong provisional women’s team, with Hellen Obiri, Peres Jepchirchir, and Brigid Kosgei headlining the squad. Obiri, is a Boston and New York Marathon champion, whereas Jepchirchir is a New York and London Marathon winner.

Rosemary Wanjiru, a Tokyo Marathon winner; Ruth Chepng’etich, a former world champion; Joycilline Jepkosgei; and Sheila Chepkirui, Judith Jeptum Korir, Sally Chepyego, and Sharon Lokedi, a New York Marathon winner in 2022, have also been named.

Athletics Kenya will name a final squad with three participants in each team in January as they aim to present a strong team that will fly the country’s flag high in Paris, France, next year.

Provisional team

Men’s team: Kelvin Kiptum, Eliud Kipchoge, Vincent Kipkemoi Ng’etich, Timothy Kiplagat, Benson Kipruto, Bernard Kiprop Koech, Geoffrey Kamworor, Cyprian Kotut, Amos Kipruto, and Titus Kipruto

Women’s team: Ruth Chepng’etich, Rosemary Wanjiru, Joycilline Jepkosgei, Sheila Chepkirui, Peres Jepchichir, Judith Jeptum Korir, Sally Chepyego Kaptich, Hellen Obiri, Sharon Lokedi, and Brigid Kosgei