Kenyan Chebet ready for pacemaking duties at London Marathon

Sandrafelis Chebet is relishing the opportunity to perform as a pacemaker in the women’s race at the London Marathon next month.

The 22-year-old will be tasked with setting the pace on October 4, in a lead group which will include Kenyan world record holder Brigid Kosgei.

“I’m lucky to have been selected as one of the ‘rabbits’ who will be pacing for the lead group in London,” Chebet told Kenyan publication nation.africa.

“It’s a tough task, but I will do my best to make sure I deliver good results.”

In preparation, Chebet has been hard at work in training at Lemotit Athletics Camp in Londiani, Kericho County, in Kenya.

Without being able to travel until now, little has changed for Chebet in the last few months due to the novel coronavirus.

Chebet said she kept working at her fitness even when Covid-19 was first declared a pandemic in March.

“It was tough training in a group of three or less but I’m happy because I was not discouraged knowing that the virus will be contained and competitions will resume.

“I went on with my training and with the big assignment ahead, I will do what I can to deliver.”

Having already performed admirably over 21.1km races with a 68:14 Personal Best, Chebet said she plans to make the transition to the full marathon soon.

“I have participated in various half marathon races and by next year, I will be shifting to the full marathon where I want to register my name as one of the best in the distance, but I have to start slowly before becoming a world-beater.”

In partnership with ANA and Sports Leo