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Bahrain Half Marathon champion Philemon Kiplimo will be one of the athletes to watch the 22nd edition of  Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon this morning in the Czech Republic.

Born in Kasarani village in Trans Nzoia, the track-blazing Kenyan is currently the eighth fastest runner in the world over the distance with a record time of 58:11.

Nine runners, who will be on parade today in the men’s category, hold personal best times of below 60 minutes.

In September last year, Kiplimo won the men’s 10,000m at the Absa Kip Keino Classic at the Moi International Sports Centre where he clocked 28 minutes an Bahrain Half Marathon champion Philemon Kiplimo (pictured) will be one of the athletes to watch in the 22nd edition of  Sportisimo Prague Half Marathon this morning in the Czech Republic.

Born in Kasarani village in Trans Nzoia, the track-blazing Kenyan is currently the eighth fastest runner in the world over the distance with a record time of 58:11.

Nine runners, who will be on parade today in the men’s category, hold personal best times of below 60 minutes.

In September last year, Kiplimo won the men’s 10,000m at the Absa Kip Keino Classic at the Moi International Sports Centre where he clocked 28 minutes and 37.96 seconds, beating compatriot Reuben Longosiwa to second place in 28:38.97.

Geoffrey Kiprotich settled for the third position after clocking 28:38.99.

23-year-old Kiplimo will be making another personal best effort and will be out to improve on the time he ran in Valencia two years ago.

Kiplimo, the winner of the Half Marathons in Boston and Bahrain, was placed second place in the Czech Republic two years ago and will be gunning to make one better with conquest to his name.

However, his biggest challenger will come in the form of his compatriot Kennedy Kimutai who is ranked 11th in the World Athletics all-time half marathon list.

Last year, Kimutai gave a good account of himself at the Half Marathon in Valencia, where he was placed fourth with 58:28.

Another athlete to watch is Kenneth Renju, who is just four places below (7 seconds).

Other Runners on the start list are Benard Kimeli, Josephat Kiprotich, Gerba Dibaba, Alfred Barkach and Wisley Kibichii.

In the women’s category, there will be an elite field with six entrants holding personal best times of 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Three Kenyans including Irine Cheptai, Nelly Jepchumba and Brenda Jepleting’ will be battling foreign opponents for a podium finish.

Jepleting, arguably the surest Bet among Kenyans to clinch the first position, is the fastest woman in the field with 1:05:44.

-KIPRONO ERICSON