Athletics Kenya has disclosed a formidable provisional marathon team for the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, featuring an exceptional lineup led by two-time Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge and world record holder Kelvin Kiptum.

In the men’s division, Eliud Kipchoge, vying to etch his name in history as the inaugural athlete to secure three Olympic marathon gold medals, teams up with reigning London and Chicago city marathon champion Kelvin Kiptum. The roster includes Amos Kipruto, Geoffrey Kamworor, Vincent Kipkemoi Ngetich, Timothy Kiplagat, Bernard Koech, Cyprian Kotut, Titus Kipruto, and Benson Kipruto.

On the women’s front, the squad boasts an equally formidable lineup, including defending Olympic champion Peres Jepchirchir, Hellen Obiri, the Boston and New York Marathon champion, and former world record holder Brigid Kosgei. Completing the women’s team are Ruth Chepngetich, Rosemary Wanjiru, Joycilline Jepkosgei, Sheila Chepkirui, Judith Korir, Seley Chepyego Kaptich, and Sharon Lokedi.

Highlighting the selection criteria, Paul Mutwii, Athletics Kenya’s director of competitions, explained, “The team selection is based on the world rankings and the athletes’ performances in the major marathon races this year. We have also considered consistency, anti-doping measures, discipline, willingness, and the championship mentality and attitude of the athletes.”

The initial list of 10 athletes in both the men’s and women’s categories will be streamlined to just five runners in each group come January, as Kenya finalizes its representation for the highly anticipated Olympic Games in Paris.