Champion Cherono intensifies preps for W. Championships

Olympian Lawrence Cherono has intensified his preparations ahead of the World Athletics Championships set for next month in Oregon, United States of America.

Cherono who was the runners up during the 2022 Chicago Marathon said that he is training well to improve on his position after debuting for the country at the 2021 Olympic Games where he finished 4th with Eliud Kipchoge defending his Olympic title.

Marathon champion

The two-time Honolulu marathon champion Cherono said that he is optimistic that World Championships and some races abroad will give a lifeline to athletes after the coronavirus pandemic affected their seasons.

“This will be my second time to compete for the country and the rare opportunity I have to utilise very well. Currently, I’m training well at Rosa Associati camp in Kaptagat and I expect a great opportunity to bag a medal abroad,” he said.

He however managed to take part at the Valencia Marathon late last year where he was placed second in a personal best time of 2.03.04 behind Evans Chebet, who also beat him at the 2022 Chicago.

“The World Championships is the best place for us Kenyans to showcase our unique talent because the whole world will be watching and for me to be at the starting line-up, will be a great achievement,” he added.

Cherono holds the Amsterdam Marathon course record holder as well as the Prague marathon champion.

“Due to my resilience, I ran the Amsterdam course record, breaking my course record in Honolulu and ran the London marathon finishing 7th. I am glad to have three competitive marathons of Amsterdam, Boston and Chicago,” added Cherono.

Cherono who hails from Baringo county has achieved a lot in his running career after taking the mantle from his elder brother, Benson Kipchumba.

With championships set for July 15th to July 24th, Cherono will be teaming up with Barnabas Kiptum, two-time New York City Marathon champion Geoffrey Kamworor and former world marathon champion Geoffrey Kirui on reserve.