Dubai: Kenyan runner Joseph Kiprotech Ngeny, who landed here as a pace maker last year and went on to stun the field and win the Dubai Marathon is confident of defending his title.
"I won't be a pacemaker this time but will be one of the runners," remarked a smiling Ngeny to Gulf News.
"It will be tough to defend the title as I am expecting a strong challenge this year, but I will try to win again," said Ngeny, who won $25,000 and a Toyota Yaris car last year.
When asked what he did with the money he won last year, Ngeny said: "I brought a house in Kenya. I did not have a licence and so I sold off the car here and took the money. Moreover it would have been tough for me to export the car to my country."
It was a great year for Ngeny. "From Dubai I went on to participate in the Czech Republic marathon and Milan marathon. In both the events I finished third," he said.
Ngeny suffered an injury to his ankle in April. "I got it treated quickly and I am fully fit now. I have been preparing to defend my title here from November," he revealed.
Ngeny has arrived here with 14 other competitors from his country. "There are many new faces for this marathon and I have no idea how they run. However, I will give my best this time," he said.
Ngeny is happy that the weather is cool. "Last year it was very hot and so I feel that I can go on to better my mark," he said confidently.
When asked whether he is confident that he can erase the Dubai marathon record, Ngeny said: "During training I have been clocking a timing of 2:09 minutes. So hopeful I can do it. I love running in Dubai's flat surface."
