A world-class runner struggles to train in peace

Dubai: Kenya's Sammy Korir is the third fastest marathon man in history, but he is struggling to keep his place among the best runners due to lack of a proper place for training.

Thirty-six-year-old Korir had raced into the annals of marathon history by becoming only the second man ever to run under 2 hours, 5 minutes, when he finished second in the 2003 Berlin Marathon in 2:04:56.

On Friday, in the Standard Chartered Dubai Marathon, he finished third with a timing of 2:08:01.

"It is getting difficult to train in Kenya due to the political turmoil. I hope the situation in the country would change quickly so that the people could lead a normal life again," said Korir, who badly wanted to train hard before coming to Dubai.

Trying his best

"I had not run a marathon for one year due to injuries. It is difficult to beat Gebrselassie, but I tried my best," he added.

When asked where he plans to train under this situation for the next marathon, Korir said: "I have not decided yet."

Following the violence, Athletics Kenya has been forced to cancel two cross- country meetings in Nyahururu and Eldoret.

Kenya has produced some of the best runners over the years and the violence could affect it.

Former world marathon record holder Paul Tergat too had recently aired his concern over the situation.

Former international athlete Lucas Sang was killed in the violence in Kenya.