Kenyan runner aims to break VnExpress Marathon record at Nha Trang race

"I think my performances are good," Chepkwony said. He has been training daily, running an average of 200 km a week.

With the best record of 2 hours and 19 minutes, set at the Standard Chartered Nairobi Marathon 2019, the 27-year-old is a strong candidate for the professional 42 km championship at the VnExpress Marathon Marvelous Nha Trang 2023.

Victor Chepkwony finishes first in the distance of 21 km at Hatyai21 Run Awakening in Thailand on June 18, 2023. Photo courtesy of Hatyai21

Chepkwony had registered to participate in VnExpress Marathon Imperial Hue 2023 but had a visa problem and could not enter Vietnam. At that time, the 27-year-old runner already set the goal of breaking the Vietnamese marathon record.

"I was very disappointed when I could not go to Vietnam last time. At that time, I was in good shape to break the record. I hope everything goes well this time. I will try to break the record of the VnExpress prize system. Marathon. The goal is to do under 2 hours and 30 minutes," said Chepkwony.

Currently, the 42 km distance record of the VnExpress Marathon system is 2 hours 30 minutes 03 seconds, set by Chepkwony's compatriot, Ezekiel Kemboi, at Ho Chi Minh City Midnight 2023.

In 2022, Chepkwony finished second in Phetchaburi Marathon in 2 hours 25 minutes. After that, he won first place in Songkla Marathon after 2 hours and 29 minutes and Phang-nga Marathon after 2 hours and 22 minutes. On June 18, he finished first in the 21 km race at Hatyai21 Run Awakening in Thailand in 1 hour, 7 minutes 34 seconds.

Chepkwony went to Vietnam to participate in a half marathon in June. VnExpress Marathon Marvelous Nha Trang 2023 will be his first time running a full marathon here. He has participated in many tournaments in Thailand and thinks the weather conditions in the two countries are similar, and he will not have much difficulty adapting.

Chepkwony also said that the running movement in Vietnam has great potential for development, and tournaments can attract the attention of more foreign athletes if they are well organized. "I was amazed by the friendliness of the Vietnamese people. They helped me a lot," he said.