Kenya’s Kenneth Mungara will be participating in the Marathon at the GC2018 aged 44!
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]”I am happy to represent my country, many people dream of wearing the Kenyan vest, not only me, and because I was given this privilege and responsibility, I need to make sure I use it well.” [/perfectpullquote]
“I am coming to win the race, that’s the only plan.” Mungara added.
The current Gold Coast Marathon race record holder with a time of 2:08:42 started competing in 2006 and his first win came in 2015 on the Gold Coast and managed to defend his position in 2016. In 2017, he slacked and finished second and will be hoping his previous record on the Gold Coast comes as an advantage despite this being his first time in Commonwealth Games.
The 44-year-old holds the World masters record (40-45) and is a four-time Toronto Marathon winner.
Despite his achievements, Mungara made a late start to marathon taking up the sport 11 years ago.
A former barber, the veteran runner swapped the scissors with joggers after cutting the hair of other athletes.
“I believed I could run well,” Mungara told GC2018.com
“I watched other runners coming to my barber shop, I observed them, and I thought I can beat them in running.
“That is how it all started.”
The father of six on being asked what he is doing to be ready for the race said:
“I train seriously, because I have people who support me watching and I can’t disappoint them. I train six days per week and do around 10 sessions per week on average.
[perfectpullquote align=”full” cite=”” link=”” color=”” class=”” size=””]“I also do lots of exercise and mentor younger athletes in my group.”[/perfectpullquote]
Kenya has named a strong marathon contingent alongside Mungara for GC2018 that includes Julius Nderitu, Nicholas Kamakya,
Hellen Musyoka, Sheila Jerotich and Shelmith Muriuki.
Featured Photo: Courtesy of GC2018.com
