“I had a fever a few weeks ago, and was under medication, but I am feeling better now and my recovery has been good. I will try my best,” he said.
The 27-year-old set a course record, external in winning the race last year.
However, he is one of six Kenyan athletes, including world record holder Patrick Makau and world champion Abel Kirui, who are on a provisional list competing for the three places on the team at the London Games. Kenyan selectors will name their final three for the Olympics at the end of April.
“The selection is challenging, but I think if I can finish in the top three here I will qualify,” said Mutai, who won last year with a time of two hours, four minutes and 39 seconds.
“For me this will definitely be a tougher competition than last year because the field is so strong.
“Everyone has run a good time so I will have to perform at my best.”
Ethiopian Tsegaye Kebede is the only non-Kenyan to have won the men’s title in the last eight years and the 2010 winner leads this year’s challenge to them.
Ejegayehu Dibaba, the oldest of three Ethiopian sisters who have all made their mark on the track, steps up to the marathon for only the second time in London this Sunday.
Dibaba, 30, has been overshadowed by Tirunesh, a double Olympic champion in Beijing, while a second sister Genzebe emerged this year to win the world indoor 1,500 title in Istanbul.
Last year Ejegayehu, in her first race beyond 10kms, clocked two hours, 22 minutes and nine seconds while finishing second in the Chicago marathon, the third fastest debut ever.
Five women are competing for three places in the Kenyan women’s Olympic team, including defending champion Mary Keitany.
“I will have to work extra hard on Sunday because I know it will be my last chance to impress the selectors,” she said.
Germany’s two-time champion Irina Mikitenko said the London race often contained stronger fields than the world or European championships which made it an ideal test for this year’s London Olympics.
“Just as in a championship, you have to be self-reliant,” she said. “Something completely unexpected can happen and you have to radically change your plans during the race. But I like that kind of challenge.”
“A few weeks ago, I had a fever and was on medication, but now I’m feeling much better and my recovery has been positive. I’ll put in my utmost effort,” he stated.
The 27-year-old established a course record, external when he clinched victory in the race last year.
However, he is among six Kenyan athletes, including world record holder Patrick Makau and world champion Abel Kirui, who are on a preliminary list vying for the three spots on the team for the London Games. The final three will be announced by Kenyan selectors at the end of April.
“The selection process is tough, but I believe that if I can come in the top three here, I will secure my spot,” said Mutai, who won the previous year with a time of two hours, four minutes, and 39 seconds.
“This race will definitely be more challenging than last year because the competition is incredibly strong.”
“Everyone has clocked impressive times, so I must perform at my very best.”
Ethiopian Tsegaye Kebede is the only non-Kenyan to have triumphed in the men’s title in the past eight years, and he leads this year’s challenge.
Ejegayehu Dibaba, the eldest of three Ethiopian sisters who have all excelled on the track, is set to compete in the marathon for just the second time this Sunday in London.
At 30, Dibaba has lived in the shadow of Tirunesh, a double Olympic champion in Beijing, while her other sister Genzebe made headlines this year by winning the world indoor 1,500 title in Istanbul.
Last year, in her inaugural race over 10 kilometers, Ejegayehu recorded a time of two hours, 22 minutes, and nine seconds, securing second place in the Chicago marathon—the third-fastest debut ever.
Five women are in contention for three spots on the Kenyan women’s Olympic team, including defending champion Mary Keitany.
“I will need to put in extra effort on Sunday because I know it will be my last opportunity to sway the selectors,” she remarked.
Germany’s two-time champion Irina Mikitenko noted that the London race often features stronger fields than the world or European championships, making it an excellent preparation ground for this year’s London Olympics.
“Just like in a championship, self-reliance is crucial,” she explained. “Unexpected events can occur, necessitating a drastic change of plans during the race. Nevertheless, I thrive on such challenges.”
