Delhi Half Marathon: Kipchoge, Peres in 'personal' challenge

NEW DELHI:

Airtel Delhi Half Marathon

(ADHM) race director Hugh Jones believes Rio Olympics marathon gold medallist

Eliud Kipchoge

and women's reigning half marathon champion

Peres Jepchirchir

are "heavy favourites" to win their respective races here on Sunday. Their main competition, though, will arise from a need to "better their own times".

"Something would have to go really wrong for them (Eliud and Peres) not to win. Barring any glaring blips, there's little doubt about who you'd have your money on," Jones told TOI after a press conference at

Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium

on Wednesday.

"However, the real challenge will come from within. Kipchoge is undoubtedly the best in the world when it comes to full marathons, but his decision to compete in Delhi shows that he wants to make a name for himself in this version too," he said.

Kipchoge, who made his debut in the "shorter" format at the

Lille Half Marathon

in France in 2012, shifted his focus to the 42km full version soon after opening his 2013 season with a win in Barcelona. "It's been a while since he has run a half marathon, but since the Olympics, he has made his desire to compete here apparent. He will take this event seriously," Jones, winner of five marathons and one half marathon, said.

Women's favourite Peres set her personal best of 66 minutes and 39 seconds at the

Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon

earlier this year, but is still 90 seconds short of the overall fastest time set by

Florence Kiplagat

in Barcelona in 2015. Currently, Peres is placed 13th in the all-time list. "New Delhi possibly offers the third fastest course for half marathons after Belgium and Ras Al Khaimah. With the form that Peres is in, she has a real shot of improving on her personal best at the very least," he added.


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