Since winning the top medal four years ago in Delhi India, Kelai who has also raced to the honours at the Brussels marathon, is hoping his first outing in two years after suffering a hamstring injury writes yet another glowing chapter in the country’s illustrious glory laden distance running folklore.
“In every sport there are challenges especially in our field since we are prone to injuries which really stole my limelight after the Commonwealth Games. It took time to work with my doctors that’s why I was not seen at the stage of running,” the 38-year-old disclosed.
Having run at the course during the 2012 Glasgow Half Marathon and competing in UK and China road races to prepare for the assignment, Kelai told Capital Sport he is looking forward to lead a historic Kenyan podium sweep over the classic distance.
“After the injury all went well and I went one of the races in UK where I ran with Haile Gebreselassie and finished third and after that I raced in southern China where I won so that confirmed my form is back.
“The course is not tough because I’m familiar with it but it will depend on the pace of the day. We have a good team and my two colleagues have fast times just like me so we hope we are going to sweep the podium,” he added.
Kelai who will be looking to better his Personal Best of 2:09:09, however maintains defending his title will not be easy, since there are upcoming athletes whom he considers as great challengers.
“After four years there are new breed that is cropping up especially in Kenya where it’s a house hold name and this time round I know it’s not going to be easy to defend my title and that’s why I have to prepare psychologically and mentally.
“We have new athletes coming up from Uganda also and that put me in a situation where I must work hard to ensure I retain my title but it will depend on the weather in that material day. I’m looking forward to run a fast time and if possible my Personal Best,” the soft spoken former Toronto champion explained.
Kelai, who is the second Kenyan male to win the Commonwealth title following the 1990 success of retired legend Douglas Wakiihuri, made it clear he will still go for it in 2018 if selected to the team for an unprecedented hat-trick.
“The more I do better the more I’m be inspired for another win so if all goes well in Glasgow, I might go for another one,” he concluded.
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