Kenya’s Betsy Saina, a finalist in the 10,000 metres race at the Rio Olympics, is relishing the challenge of the marathon as she prepares to compete in her debut race on November 5 in New York City.
Saina is shifting gears to the 42km distance and will start with the New York race where she will come up against compatriot and defending champion Mary Keitany, reports Xinhua news agency.
Saina has been training in Eldoret under the tutelage of Patrick Sang and Richard Metto in the build-up to the New York Marathon.
“It’s exciting training in Kenya and for sure nothing is easy! Everything needs some hard training but I’m having a good transition from track. I will not be in New York to ruin anyone’s party but my goal is to put myself in the mix and be competitive.
“Marathon is a different animal so I will be really careful. I will train hard and hope to stay healthy and have a great race. We still have two months to put everything together,” she said.
However, prior to her visit to the Big Apple race, Saina will be racing in the Great North Run in Newcastle on September 10.
Elsewhere, World 5,000m champion Helen Obiri has ruled out competing in road race next season as she wants to cement her place in the track.
Obiri has said one of her main goals next season is to improve her 5000m personal best time of 14:18.37 minutes.
