NAIROBI, July 26 (Xinhua) -- Kenyan marathon runners Ruth Chepngetich and Visiline Jepkesho will use the Bogota Half Marathon on Sunday to gauge their preparedness ahead of the IAAF World Championships later this year.
Speaking in Nairobi prior to their departure, Jepkesho and Chepngetich said they intend to set fast times and win the race, which will stand them in good stead ahead of the worlds, which will be held in Doha, Qatar in October.
"It is one of the races that I believe is critical to gauge the preparations we have had, and see if we have attained the required targets. One of the targets is to gauge our speed, and a shorter race in Colombia will offer us that yardstick," Jepkesho said on Friday.
Former world champion Mare Dibaba from Ethiopia and reigning Boston Marathon winner Lawrence Cherono will also compete in Bogota on Sunday.
"We want some challenge against top competitors and Bogota is one race that comes in handy for that purpose. It will push us to the limit and I hope help us improve," said Chepngetich.
Organizers have confirmed that more than 44,000 athletes will compete in Sunday's race in the Colombian capital.
