On the road again: Kenyans David Mutua and James Kariuki compete in last year’s marathon.
ERIN PEARSON
KENYA’S top long-distance runners will return to the Surf Coast this weekend in an attempt to reclaim the Great Ocean Road International marathon trophy.
Drama marred Charles Muturi’s 2010 race after visa issues stopped him reaching Australia until a few hours before the 45-kilometre race.
Organiser John Craven said Muturi would run with three other Kenyans.
The 27-year-old 2009 race champion will bolster his pack with fellow Kenyans Daniel Mwelu, 29, and James Kipkelwon, 31.
Last year’s shock winner, Mark Tucker, created history when he became the first Geelong athlete to win the marathon.
The middle-distance runner broke the Kenyans’ six-year domination from Lorne to Apollo Bay, winning in two hours, 29 minutes and 41 seconds.
Craven said Melbourne 42-year-old Magnus Michelsson, who weighed 56 kilograms, would be Australia’s best chance of overcoming the Kenyan contingent.
Michelsson has won Gold Coast, Melbourne, Canberra and Australian marathons.
He was looking forward to returning to the Great Ocean Road.
“I normally race in Africa this time of year so it clashes but this year gave me the opportunity to come back,” Michelsson said.
“Being on Aussie turf should work to my advantage over the international competitors, and I hope to make the top five, but we will see.
“It’s a pretty special road to race on.”
