体坛英语新闻：Kenya's Makau wants to reclaim World marathon record

NAIROBI, Oct. 4 (Xinhua) -- It will be a while before Patrick Makau, the Frankfurt Marathon champions regains his fitness after picking up a knee injury while in training in September.

However, one thing is clear in Makau's mind; he wants to reclaim the World marathon record, which he lost out to compatriot Wilson Kipsang in Berlin last week.

"It was not easy seeing my friend Wilson (Kipsang) break the record. I thought the weather was windy and it would hold him back. But that was it, he had the fitness and courage to take it all in his stride and now he has made a name for himself.

"But for me, it is not the end. I will pick up the pieces and take on the record again. I have no idea, which race I will run next, but as soon as I get my fitness back, that will be one of the things that will inspire my running," said Makau Friday in Nairobi.

Kipsang had hinted of going full throttle to attain his target a week prior to the race, and lived up to his expectation when he romped home in 2:03.23, ending compatriot Makau's hold on the record at 2:03.38.

Kipsang's performance was phenomenon; it was the eighth world record in Berlin in 15 years, strengthening the marathon reputation as the world's fastest course. Kipsang earned 54,000 U. S. dollars in prize money plus another 68,000 U.S. dollars for breaking the record.

Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya was second in 2:04:05, improving his personal best by a minute and a half in his second marathon, while Kenya's Geoffrey Kipsang -- not related to Wilson -- was third in 2:06:26.

Makau remains the second fastest marathoner with the 2:03.38 mark, with Kipsang holding on the first and third fastest times of 2:03.23 (Berlin 2013) and 2:03.42 (Frankfurt 2011). Haile Gebreselassie is fourth with 2:03.59 (Berlin 2009).

"It is a challenge for me, but I know that to run the marathon in 2:03 is not easy at all," said Makau.

Makau also admitted one of his long term plans is Rio 2016 Olympic marathon and the 2015 World Championships, which will be held in Beijing, China.

"It is true, one to be considered a legend, he must win both the World marathon championships and the Olympics marathon race. I have failed in both. Partly because I was never selected and then because of injury. I hope to be fit for both the events and convince Athletics Kenya to give me a chance.

"In Kenya we are many runners and getting the chance to represent the country in marathon is not easy. The race starts now, " said Makau.

Meanwhile, Leonard Komon, the world fastest 10km runner has confirmed he will compete at the Berlin 10 km road race on Oct. 13. Komon's world record over the distance still stands at 26:44.

Komon has already won in Berlin three times with 27:12 as the best time. There are about 7000 participants expected for the race, which includes Ethiopian Adugna Takele and top German Andre Pollmacher.