After an outstanding performance at the World Athletics Championship in Budapest, Faith Kipyegon is hopeful of breaking a world record in the mile during the World Road Running Championships in Riga, Latvia.

Kipyegon leads Kenya’s team in the showdown that will be held from September 30 to October 1. 

This will be Kipyegon’s first run in the World Championship road mile and the world record holder is confident she can conquer the battle.

“That’s an interesting question, first of all. However, I want us to enjoy the race, and I look forward to running in Latvia.

“I expect to run well while there and hopefully break the world record there by running my first World Championship in the road mile,” Kipyegon said, as quoted by a local publication, when asked whether she was targeting breaking the mile record.

The 29-year-old became a three-time world champion after winning gold in the 1500m in Budapest and is one of the 21 athletes from the country who will grace the inaugural World Athletics Road Running Championships in Latvia.

Kipyegon, who also won gold in the 5000m despite stiff competition, especially from Olympic champion Sifan Hassan, will hit the road on October 1 in Riga.

Other runners

Meanwhile, Lillian Kasait and Commonwealth Games 5000m champion Beatrice Chebet will represent Kenya in the women’s 5km distance.

Nelly Chepchirchir and Beatrice Chepkoech, the world 3000m steeplechase record holder, are also among the representatives to carry the Kenyan flag in Latvia.

Abel Kipsang and Reynold Cheruiyot will also take part in the Latvian showdown, as they will clash in the men’s road mile, which also has the 2019 World 1500m champion Timothy Cheruiyot.

In the men’s 5km run, Nicholas Kimeli, Jacob Krop, and Cornelius Kemboi will face off, while Peris Chepcchirchir will be competing in the half-marathon race alongside Irene Kamais. 

In the women’s 5000m, Margaret Chelimo and Janeth Chepng’etich will be the country’s ambassadors.