Kenyans are engraved in the annals of history within the sports industry - for their prowess and sheer dominance in track events, particularly long-distance races.
This year, the stage is set for the athletes to battle it out in the 2021 London Marathon - with Kenya's Brigid Kosgei and Ethiopia's Shura Kitata, hoping to defend their London marathon titles on Sunday, October 3.
At the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, world record holder Kosgei bagged the silver medal and will be seeking a third consecutive London Marathon victory.
The iconic figure at the race returns to a familiar track course with hopes of ending the season on a high.
Kosgei finished second in her debut at the London Marathon in 2018, behind her compatriot Vivian Cheruiyot.
The following year, the athlete became the youngest woman ever to win the race when she smashed the World Record, clocking in at 2 hours, 18 minutes, and 20 seconds.
In 2020, the mother of twins defended her title by scooping gold at St. James Park.
"It is a great feeling to be coming back, as London is one of my favourite marathons. Last year's win was very special, particularly given what the whole world was going through," said Kosgei.
“I hope to arrive again in very good shape and win for the third time.”
She will look to hold off her fierce rivals, the Ethiopian pair of Roza Dereje (finished fourth at the Tokyo Olympics) and Birhane Dibaba (double Tokyo Marathon champion).
Other Kenyans in the race include reigning New York City Marathon champion, Joyciline Jepkosgei (personal best is 2 hours 18 minutes and 40 seconds) and Valary Jemeli (PB is 2 hours 19 minutes and 10 seconds).
Meanwhile, Ethiopia's Kitata will face off with Kenya's Vincent Kipchumba, who was one second away from winning the race last year, finishing in 2:05:09.
Also in the lineup will is the current Valencia Marathon champion and fastest man in the world last year with his time of 2:03:00, Evans Chebet and Titus Ekiru
The athletes are aiming at breaking Eliud Kipchoge's course record of 2 hours 2 minutes and 37 seconds. The legend will, however, not be making another appearance at the London marathon after his win at the Tokyo Olympics where he became the third man in history to win consecutive Olympic Marathon titles.
