Kimetto and Kipsang heading to SA

Last month Kimetto covered the 42.2km Berlin Marathon course in 2 hours 2 minutes and 57 seconds (2:02:57), smashing the previous record set by his Kenyan compatriot Kipsang by 26 seconds.

“I’ve competed all over the world against very, very talented runners. From the US to Berlin, the competition is incredible,” Kimetto said in a statement on Thursday.

“It would be an immense opportunity for my career to have this level of competition in Africa.”

The pair will share the stage with experts in the sports sponsorship and performance industry.

Kimetto said he planned to talk about performance and training at the GAC.

“I felt very good running in Berlin and felt that I could break the record.

“There is much talent in Africa and I do believe that with the right mentality and knowledge we can achieve much more on the world stage.”

Kipsang echoed Kimetto’s views.

“African countries could benefit from having world-class international events,” he said.

“Not only would they create opportunities for local runners and unearth new talent, [but] these events would also have economic benefits for the cities and countries that host them.”

KwaZulu-Natal Athletics president Sello Mokoena said the chance to learn from two of the world’s greatest runners was an opportunity of a lifetime for South African sport.

“We in the athletics fraternity know exactly how much commitment and dedication go into what the likes of Kimetto and Kipsang have achieved,” Mokoena said.

“We know that their skill and passion will not only upskill us but inspire us to reach for greatness in the sport we love.”

Conference delegates will discuss and analyse topics such as women in sport, sponsorship, the media, commercialisation and brand building.