Two-time New York City Marathon champion Geoffrey Kamworor is shifting to marathon as he aims to compete at the World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon, United States of America.

Kaptagat-based runner Kamworor has been a versatile athlete, competing in track, cross country and marathon races.  Eugene’s event will be Kamworor’s tenth marathon to participate in during his running career.

“I cannot limit myself; I am targeting to run a good time. I can run a world record in the marathon. I am focusing to win a sixth major marathon title,” said the world 10,000m silver medallist.

He noted that shifting to running marathons was not difficult because he has been juggling several race disciplines.

“With proper training, switching from one discipline to the other is not complicated, now I’m focusing on the marathons from the tracks,” he said.

Kamworor added that his secret to success has been focusing on training, self-discipline and working closely with his coach.

Long-run endurance

The two-time world cross country champion said he targets to increase long-run  endurance as he trains, especially after a poor performance in Boston Marathon due to an injury.

“After Boston, I took easy training but for now, I have caught up with others and we are doing training well, am ready to go, ” said Kamworor.

He is optimistic that they are going to perform well with the team and Kenyans should expect a medal.

“We are going to bring all the medals, of course, we expect stiff competition from countries like Ethiopia and Uganda,” added Kamworor. 

He will team up with Chicago and Boston Marathon champion Lawrence Cherono, who will be serving as team captain, Milan Marathon champion Barnabas Kiptum and former world marathon champion Geoffrey Kirui as a reserve.