FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Radcliffe's record would be a dream come true, says Keitany
18/04/2018
Breaking Paula Radcliffe's world record would fulfil a lifelong dream for
Mary Keitany, the Kenyan revealed today ahead of her bid to win a fourth
elite women's crown at the Virgin Money London Marathon on Sunday, 22
April.
Keitany lowered Radcliffe's 12-year-old women-only world record when she
claimed her third London Marathon title last year, clocking an African
record of 2:17:01, and will run with male pacemakers on Sunday in an
attempt to lower the Briton's 'mixed race' record of 2:15:25, set on the
same London course 15 years ago.
Keitany was more than a minute up on Radcliffe's time at halfway 12 months
ago but slowed in the last five miles after her pacemaker dropped out. This
time the organisers have provided male pacemakers for the women's race for
the first time since Radcliffe's famous run back in 2003, and Keitany
intends to take full advantage.
"To run 2:15 is really something else," said the 36-year-old. "But I will
try to follow in the footsteps of the legend, Paula, on Sunday.
"I must thank the race organisers for their decision to assist the women to
see how fast we can go. With the male pacemakers we have a great
opportunity and we have to try and see if it's possible.
"It would mean so much to me because I've had Paula's record in mind since
I started my career. She was an inspiration and that world record is still
ahead of me as a lifetime goal.
"As long as I'm running I want to get it."
The three-time New York City Marathon champion has already shown fine form
this year, running her fastest ever half marathon at the Ra's Al-Khaymah
race in February when she clocked 64:55, the third quickest in history, and
has arrived in London full of confidence as she targets a place in the
history books.
"Training has gone well and I'm ready for the race on Sunday," she said.
"I've done a bit more speed work since 2017, but my long runs have been
about the same.
"But the main difference this year is the male pacemakers. Without them it
wouldn't be possible, but with them we have to try."
Although target split times and pacemaking duties have yet to be decided,
Keitany believes the addition of men at the front of the field means she
won't set off at a "crazy pace", as she did in 2017 when she ran at 2:11
pace for the first 5km.
"I don't think we will rush like last year," she said. "I think it will be
more systematic and not a crazy pace. Everything will be under control."
Keitany's speed off the Start Line in 2017 shocked the rest of the field,
including Tirunesh Dibaba, the Ethiopian track legend who ran alone for
much of the race and was forced to stop a few miles from the line to
relieve stomach cramps as she tried in vain to chase down her Kenyan rival.
She battled on to be rewarded with second place and a national record of
2:17:56 and has returned to London determined to learn the lessons of 12
months ago as she seeks to add the London title to the Chicago Marathon
crown she clinched last October.
"I was shocked that Mary ran so fast last year from the start," said the
32-year-old. "I learned so much from that race, and I knew that I had to
prepare better this year to be able to stay with her. I've changed many
things in my training since 2017 and feel I'm in better shape now.
"I took two months' rest after winning in Chicago and started to train
later this time, so my build-up has been different but I'm in better shape
as a result."
After finishing third on her marathon debut here in 2014, and runner-up
last year, Dibaba says she is focused more on making the next step up the
podium and unseating the Kenyan champion than setting best times and
records.
Victory on Sunday would make Dibaba only the fourth Ethiopian woman to win
in London, and she would follow in the footsteps of her aunt, Derartu Tulu,
who was the first back in 2002.
"I know the organisers have put good pacemakers in the race, but what is
more important is my condition," said Dibaba. "I know from my years on the
track, if I've prepared well I'll race well, so my shape is more important
than the pacemakers."
Keitany won't relinquish her crown without a fight, however, for another
London victory would take her past Radcliffe and level with Norwegian
marathon legend, Ingrid Kristiansen, as a four-time London winner.
"Even if I don't break the world record and I win the race, that would
still mean the most to me," she said. "Being a champion here is something
very special in my life and to win four times would be amazing.
"I don't feel any pressure for Sunday," she added. "I will just run the
race and we'll see what the time is at the end. The most important thing is
I have to defend my title."
###
|
