NAIROBI, Aug. 18 (Xinhua) -- Defending champions Stephen Sambu and Caroline Chepkoech lead the elite fields for the Falmouth Road Race on Aug. 20 in the United States.
Sambu, who was fifth at his debut full marathon in Chicago last year (2:13:35), will face top Americans Leonard Korir and Abdi Abdirahman as well as Canada's Cam Levins.
"It was exciting to make my first marathon appearance in Chicago because of the strong history of runners making their debut here," Sambu said on Friday.
"But now the focus is on the Falmouth Road Race before I return to Chicago next month for the full marathon. I'm training very hard and can't wait to race in front of the fans. I love the flat streets of the city, and I look forward to coming back."
In the women's race, Chepkoech of Kenya faces teammate Mary Wacera and Ethiopia's former winner Mamitu Daska.
Meanwhile, former three-time world 1,500m champion Asbel Kiprop could step up and contest the 5,000m at the Commonwealth Games in Gold Coast next April.
"I will be shifting to the 5,000m race but that doesn't mean I will exit the 1,500m. In fact, it will be good for me since I will be using it in my speed work that helps an athlete in the final lap in long distances," said Kiprop, who has races in Birmingham and Zurich lined up before the end of the season.
"After that I will start preparations for the Commonwealth Games trials next year. I want to be in the team for the games next year, probably in the men's 5,000m."
