Kebede's favourite in London, Bekele start in Hengelo

Ethiopia's Olympic bronze medallist Tsegaye Kebede hope to bring the African country its second major marathon victory in a week (his compatriot Deriba Merga’s won the Boston Marathon on Monday ) when he takes on one of the best marathon fields ever assembled in the Flora London Marathon this Sunday.

However , he still has the likes of reigning champion Martin Lel, Olympic gold and silver medallists Sammy Wanjiru and Jaouad Gharib, and Abderrahim Goumri to contend with in the British capital.

Kebebe recently won 25,000 U.S dollars after he placed second (1. 08.52 seconds) at the 2009 Glo Half Marathon in Lagos, a race won by Kenya's Luke Kibet.

Also two-time Olympic 10,000m champion Olympic Champion, Kenenisa Bekele will make his come back on the track on June 1 and will race the 1500 metres at Fanny Blankers-Koen (FBK) Games in Hengelo.

Bekele’s manager Jos Hermens told the IAAF: "Kenenisa is training well but the problems cost him two months of training. Hengelo will be his first race this year.

"For the Golden League and the World Championships he needs a good finish. He has to work on his speed and therefore he will run the 1500 metres in Hengelo."

Have your Say
Athleticsafrica will be covering the London marathon, check back to give your comments and tell us who you think will win between Martin Lel, Sammy Wanjiru and Tsegaye Kebede?