Discipline Key to success: Florence Kiplagat

Ethiopia’s Kenenisa Bekele has always shocked his fans with his incredible pace. The world and Olympic record holder (5,000 m and 10,000 metres) is now ready to rule the roads of the capital in the Airtel Delhi Half Marathon 2015 this Sunday.

“It is always special to be here and I am grateful to be chosen as the event ambassador of this global event,” said Bekele here on Thursday.

Bekele, the 2004 Olympic title winner in 10,000m, has been hampered by injuries in the past few years but the star runner said, “It is tough but I won’t give up and hopefully make a comeback. I want to enjoy the sport more, I want to participate in Olympics and World Championships in future.”

Advising young runners to be “disciplined and train regularly”, the Ethiopian said his heart goes out for the innocent athletes of Russia who have been plunged into uncertainty after IAAF banned the country over doping controversy.

Elite men’s defending champion Zersenay Tadse, who has completed the half marathon under 60 minutes several times, will be another tough contender this weekend.

“I am happy to be in good shape for the ADHM 2015 and have been training well for the event,” said the winner of six world titles.

Record holder and women’s defending champion, Florence Kiplagat is also geared up to break her own record set at Barcelona in 2014.

“I am motivated to complete the half marathon in under 65 minutes and am working hard to achieve my career best feat,” said Kiplagat. “Discipline is the key to success at any sport,” she added.