The men’s line up at the 2018 FNB Cape Town 12 ONERUN is beginning to take shape with Kenya’s Noah Kipkemboi confirming his attendance on race day (Sunday, 20 May 2018).
Already confirmed are Abdallah Mande, a 43min35sec 15km athlete training partner to World Championship 10 000m silver medallist, Johsua Cheptegei, as well as South Africa’s 2016 FNB Cape Town 12 ONERUN winner and SA 10km record holder (27:38) Stephen Mokoka.
Like Mande, Kipkemboi has an explosive 15km time. The 25-year-old was the designated pace maker to Joshua Cheptegei in his World Record attempt in Nijmegen in November 2017.
“My role was to pace Josh (Cheptegei) to 10km. Once there I could either continue or stop. I felt good, strong and could see I was in a position to finish on the podium, so I kept going,” says Kipkemboi. It was a decision that paid off handsomely. Not only did he finish 3rd, he also clocked the 4th fastest time in the world in 2017 when he crossed the line in 42:43.
Kipkemboi moved from Kaptagat in Kenya to Iten two years ago, and it was this move that saw him improve dramatically. If, however, you train with the likes of Bedan Muchiri and Daniel Kipchumba, this improvement is no surprise.
Muchiri raced to a 58:42 win at the RAK Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon in the UAE (United Arab Emirates) on 9 February (fastest time in the world in 2018 and 5th fastest on the all-time list). He also won the Verbania Half Marathon in Italy on 15 April this year, the 5th fastest time in 2018 and 26th best time on the all-time list. Having training partners who can run at that pace makes for a healthy training environment and Kipkemboi has high praise for his team mates and how they have pulled him to greater heights.
“Before I came to Iten to train with them, I was struggling. When I joined them and when coach (Renato) Canova started to coach me, I improved dramatically,” said Kipkemboi.
Canova is one of the most famous coaches in global middle distance running, having coached amongst others, the likes of Kenyan-born Qatari Saif Saaeed Shaheen (3000m steeplechase world record holder), 10,000 meter runner Nicholas Kemboi (26:30.03), Dorcus Inzikuru (2005 World 3000m steeplechase Champion), Moses Mosop (2005 World Championships 10000m bronze medallist, 2007 World Cross Country Championships silver medallist, and 25000m and 30000m world record holder in 1:12:47.4 and 1:26:25.4) and Florence Kiplagat (2009 World Cross Country Champion and 2010 World Half-Marathon Champion, and former WR holder of 15km, 20km and Half Marathon). That is quite a pedigree and to have a coach of that calibre in your corner can only be good for any athlete.
“I am looking forward to running in Cape Town. I feel confident after running a PB in the half marathon (60:52 on debut, Lisbon 11 March 2018). I just did some speed work yesterday and feel like I am getting very fit, so I am confident about running the 12km,” said Kipkemboi. “I know that Stephen (Mokoka) is dangerous at home and I have heard of Abdallah (Mande), but I after my half marathon PB and my 15km run last year, I think they know that it won’t be easy to beat me.”
EVENT INFORMATION: FNB Cape Town 12 ONERUN
| Date: | Sunday, 20 May 2018 |
| Start Venue: | Woodbridge Island, c/o R27 and Loxton Road, Milnerton (Cape Town) |
| Finish Venue: | Bree Street (Cape Town, CBD) |
| Entry Fee: | Standard Entry: R170 (licensed) / R205 (unlicensed)
Gold Package Entry: R850 (licensed) / R885 (unlicensed) |
Charity Support: When entering online, runners can choose to support either or both the FNB Cape Town ONERUN Charities: Die Burger Kersfonds and The Cape Of Good Hope SPCA.
Facebook: Ctown12 / CapeofGoodHopeSPCA / @DBKersfonds
Twitter: @CTown12
Instagram: CapeTown_12 / CapeSPCA
Hashtag: #CT12Run
Website: www.thecapetown12.com
The FNB Cape Town 12 ONERUN forms part of the “FNB Run Your City Series” that includes the FNB Joburg 10K CITYRUN (taking place on Monday, 24 September 2018 / Heritage Day) and the FNB Durban 10K CITYSURFRUN (taking place on Sunday, 14 October 2018).
Runners taking part in all three events will be rewarded with an unrivalled event experience, a FNB Run Your City Series Performance T-shirt and medal on completion of the third race, the FNB Durban 10K CITYSURFRUN, where a special hospitality area awaits.
CLICK HERE to watch the FNB Run Your City Series Teaser Video.
For further information please visit www.runyourcityseries.com For more information on the FNB Cape Town 12 ONERUN visit www.thecapetown12.com or email [email protected]
About the FNB Run Your City Series:
FNB is proud to bring you the FNB Run Your City Series. The series encompasses three unique mass races namely the FNB Cape Town 12 ONERUN, FNB Joburg 10K CITYRUN and the FNB Durban 10K CITYSURFRUN. The three races are about inclusivity for all as well as encouraging business involvement, family, world class achievement and fun for all participants.
FNB’s strategy is to engage with our clients and non-clients through healthy lifestyle activities, where we sponsor selected sporting events that allow us relationship building opportunities, ensuring that we enrich the communities and the lives of those around us. Through the runs, we encourage runners to run their city their way. We invite all runners back to the city to experience the rejuvenation, revival and renewed city centres.
ENDS
ISSUED BY: Newsport Media
ON BEHALF OF: FNB Run Your City Series a Stillwater Sports Initiative