Marathoner Cuthbert Nyasango has intensified training ahead of the December’s 68th edition of the Fukuoka Marathon in Japan.
BY MICHAEL MADYIRA
Training under long-distance running coach Benson Chauke, five weeks remain for the Olympian to polish himself up for the 24km race, set for December 7.
It is the second time for Nyasango to participate in the Fukuoka Marathon where he finished ninth in 2012.
His star has risen after the 2012 London Olympic Games where he clocked a personal best of 2:12:08hrs and finished a respectable position seven.
“The next five weeks are going to be very tough for me,” said Nyasango.
“I am used to it though and I am looking forward to this race. I just want to do my best. As a Christian, I look up to God. I am training hard and God will do the rest when I compete.”
Ethiopia’s Tsegaye Kebede holds the Fukuoka Marathon record of 2:05:18hrs that he clocked in 2009.
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Kenyans have dominated the last three editions of this marathon with Josphat Ndambiri, Joseph Gitau and Martin Mathithi respectively claiming the three previous races.
Their compatriot Samuel Wanjiru who won the 2008 Olympics gold medal is a previous Fukuoka winner.
“I am used to competing against these Kenyans and Ethiopians. They are committed people and have an upper hand than us because they get full government and corporate support,” said Nyasango.
The 32-year-old has the support of fellow Olympian, swimmer Kirsty Coventry.
“I remember cheering for Cuthbert at the London Olympics. I was totally overwhelmed at his sheer determination and the resilient perseverance by which he completed his race,” said Coventry.
“Cuthbert lives by the important things in life: church, love for his mother, and hard work. He is an African athlete I respect and admire and I look forward to seeing him go from strength to strength in his career — well done and thank you for the inspiration Cuthbert! Cuthbert’s next Marathon will be on December 7 in Japan and I would like to wish him the best for the next couple of months training.”
