NAIROBI, Sept.10 (Xinhua) -- Olympic champion Vivian Cheruiyot of Kenya has warned her rivals to expect a brutal challenge when she lines up for the New York marathon run on Nov. 4.
Cheruiyot, 34, failed to finish the half marathon in New York in March with breathing problems, but reaffirmed her prowess when she went on to win in London marathon in a new personal best time.
Last Sunday, Cheruiyot stepped up her preparations for return to New York when she won the Great North run half marathon in Newcastle.
Cheruiyot, who finished second to Mary Keitany in 2017, went one better this year and sealed her first win since 2016, clocking 67 minutes 43 seconds ahead of Brigid Kosgei who finished second in 67:52 while Joyciline Jepkosgei completed the all-Kenyan trio, finishing third in 68:10.
"I am happy to be a winner and I am looking forward to return to Newcastle next year. The race was in preparation for New York marathon, to test myself. I now know where I am and I am going to train for my next marathon," Cheruiyot said on Monday.
Cheruiyot, however, will be up against compatriot and three time winner Mary Keitany, Shalane Flanagan, the race defending champion and Boston Marathon champion Des Linden.
Others are Ethiopians and World Half Marathon champion Netsanet Gudeta and Mamitu Daska, who finished third in New York last year.
"It is always a pleasure to race against some of the world's best runners because it brings out the best in you. I know the organizers in New York have assembled a big team of elite runners and I am excited to return to the U.S. soil," said Cheruiyot.
However, there will be no love lost when Cheruiyot renew her rivalry with Keitany after beating her in the quest for London marathon in April.
"I was disappointed not to defend my title last year," said Keitany. "However, I was not 100 percent healthy and Shalane ran a strong race."
The Kenyan who struggled to finish the London race, after she pushed herself too much in quest to break the world record, will be timid in her pursuit for New York glory.
