Former Loch Ness Marathon champion Isaiah Kosgei eyes course record as he prepares to return to Highland capital for first time since gold medal in 2019
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
Veteran Kenyan athlete Isaiah Kosgei believes that a burning desire to help others will propel him to another successful performance in the Loch Ness marathon.
The 47-year-old distance runner from the Kenyan running town of Iten – home to many of the world’s top distance runners – has a fine record in the Highland race, having finished fifth in 2017 and third in 2018 before going on to claim victory on his most recent visit in 2019.
On every occasion he has used his prize money to support a variety of charitable projects in his local area, most notably providing funds to improve facilities at his old school and helping to support the education of under-privileged children.
Kosgei missed last year’s race because of travel restrictions, but is eagerly anticipating toe-ing the start line again on Sunday after making the long and arduous journey from East Africa.
He said: “I am in good shape and feel ready. I hope to win and run under 2:20 to enable me to accomplish my dream of giving back to society and transforming the lives of many children in my village.
“I started my build-up by running 210km per week and recently 170km per week. I train with a group in Iten but do easy runs alone.
“I enjoy running Loch Ness because of the good reception I get every year.
“The organisation of the race is very good and there are beautiful views on the route. The course is tough but I have prepared for it.
“Any prize money will be used to give opportunities to children from humble backgrounds, to buy them school materials, uniforms, shoes and books. Also, I want to complete my previous project – providing a modern science laboratory at St Paul Makongi secondary school.”
RELATED: Full list of road closures in Inverness for Loch Ness Marathon
Kosgei showed his form in another fund-raising challenge a few months ago, but whether he’s in shape to crack the 2:20 barrier at Loch Ness remains to be seen. If successful, he will break the course record of 2:20:13, set by his compatriot Simon Tonui in 2009.
The Kenyan is to face some strong competition led by Edinburgh’s Dougie Selman whose best time of 2:21:46 dates back to 2016.
Earlier this year he clocked a lifetime best half marathon time of 1:06:19 which suggests he’s capable of a quick marathon performance.
Chris Richardson (Metro Aberdeen) is another contender for a podium place alongside clubmate Will Mackay, and Swansea’s Geraint Williams. GB mountain runner Joe Symonds (Shettleston Harriers) has a best of 2:20:52, but that was set nine years ago.
