KERICHO: Elite athletes Beatrice Chepkoech and Mercy Cherono are now setting their eyes on marathon running after a stellar career that saw them win several accolades on track.

The reigning 3000m women steeplechase world record holder – Chepkoech and the 2014 Commonwealth Games 5000m champion – Cherono told People Sport that they had already started preparing for the new challenge in which they plan to both have their debuts next year.

Speaking at the Kericho Teachers’ Training College ground in Kericho County at the weekend during a Kericho Cross-Country meet, the duo said they had what it takes to upgrade to marathons and road races going forward.

Cherono who has been missing in action for a long time, attributed her absence to an injury which according to her could have ended her career prematurely, but now feels rejuvenated after full recovery and is raring to go.

“I have not been seen in action for several months due to an injury on my leg but I have recovered fully and feeling great. I have just started training  and will be featuring in Marathon races going forward,” she told People Sport.

The 2013 World Athletics Championships silver medalist says she will also run in the remaining Cross-Country series organised by AK as she targets to make it to the national team and be among those who will be picked to represent Kenya in the World Cross-Country championships to be held in Australia next year.