Kalmer ready for marathon return

Kalmer will compete in her first race over the classic distance since she took 17th place in the Boston Marathon in April, and after recovering from the calf injury that affected her performance in that event, she said this week she was confident of returning to her best form.

“It’s been a difficult year with niggles and injuries but my preparations for this race went very well,” she said.

“Hopefully I can end the year on a high note.”

Kalmer made a gradual comeback from injury, defending her national half-marathon title in East London in September and finishing second overall in the Spar Women’s Challenge 10km series.

Having set her career marathon record of 2:29:59 when she finished fifth two years ago, she was pleased to be returning to familiar territory in Yokohama.

With the race starting at midday, she hoped the expected warm conditions would work in her favour after training in the Gauteng heat.

“Luckily I know what to expect. I set my personal best there two years ago, so I know the course, I know the organisers and it’s good going back.

“It’s also good going back to a race where I had a good performance, and hopefully I can improve on that.”

– Sapa