Athletics

Kenya unveils star-studded marathon lineup for 2024 Olympic Games in Paris

Kenya's Eliud Kipchoge (C) competes in the men's marathon final during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Sapporo on August 8, 2021. (Photo: Charly TRIBALLEAU/AFP)

By Sports Reporter | Thursday, December 7, 2023

The long-listed athletes include prominent names such as 2019 women's world champion Ruth Chepng'etich and two-time Olympic silver medallist in the 5000m, Hellen Obiri, the 2023 Boston Marathon and New York City Marathon champion.

Kenya has unveiled a formidable 20-member provisional squad for the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Headlining the squad are defending Olympic champions Eliud Kipchoge and Peres Jepchirchir, along with notable athletes like Kelvin Kiptum, the current men's world record holder and former women's world record holder Brigid Kosgei.

The provisional team, comprising 10 men and 10 women, will undergo a selection process to finalise three competing athletes and two reserves in each event by late January 2024. The athletes' participation in the Paris Games hinges on the decision of the National Olympic Committee of Kenya (NOC-K).

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Paul Mutwii of Athletics Kenya explained the long-listed athletes were chosen based on world rankings and performances in significant marathon races throughout the year.

"We also considered consistency, anti-doping requirements, discipline, willingness, and championship mentality and attitude of the athletes," he told press.

Kenya's Peres Jepchirchir (R) leads Brigid Kosgei (L) while competing in the women's marathon final during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games in Sapporo on August 7, 2021. (Photo by Yasuyuki KIRIAKE/ AFP)

Unlike most major marathon races, Olympic Games marathons are run without pacesetters. The long-listed athletes include prominent names such as 2019 women's world champion Ruth Chepng'etich and two-time Olympic silver medallist in the 5000m, Hellen Obiri, the 2023 Boston Marathon and New York City Marathon champion.

Here’s the full list:

Men: