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Five Japan-Based Kenyans Named to World Half Marathon Championships Squad

by Brett Larner

Five athletes based in Japan were named to the preliminary lineup of the Kenyan national team for October's World Half Marathon Championships in Rio de Janiero, Brazil.

The men's contingent includes half marathon world record holder and Olympic marathon gold medalist Samuel Wanjiru, who until last month ran for Team Toyota Kyushu but resigned just prior to the Beijing Olympics to found his own unit, Team Sam, and Yamanashi Gakuin University senior Mekubo Mogusu, who broke one hour for the half marathon three times in 2007, all in solo efforts.

The women's squad includes Team Hokuren's Philes Ongori, holder of the fastest time in the world so far this year with her 1:07:57 win at February's Marugame Half Marathon, Julia Mumbi of Team Aruze, and Danielle Filomena Cheyech of Team Uniqlo.

Confirmation of the team's lineup is expected next week. For a complete listing of the preliminary roster, click here.

(c) 2008 Brett Larner
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