NAIROBI, April 6 (Xinhua) -- Kenyans Maryanne Wangari and Eunice Kioko are under pressure to deliver medals at this year's Berlin Half Marathon, which will be held this Sunday.
The duo want to keep Kenya's firm grip on the race and will face a strong challenge from home athletes as they seek a win to boost their seeding and possible consideration for national assignments.
Speaking on Friday before leaving for Germany, the duo expressed hopes that they will be able to shake off their rivals and go for gold.
"It is always about which Kenyan is in what race. We are always under pressure to deliver and in Berlin it will not be any different. I am fully fit and ready for the challenge because I believe in my own strength and what work I have put in training," said Wangari.
A strong home presence by Katharina Heinig and steeplechase European champion Gesa Felicitas Krause is expected to take the challenge to the Kenyans doorstep, but experience is required to prevail in the 21km distance.
Germans Homiyu Tesfaye and Philipp Pflieger are eyeing the national record of 60:34 but must be ready for the onslaught by title defending champion Gilbert Masai and 2016 winner Richard Mengich, who have been tagged favorites.
"I want to run well before focusing on the marathons in May. To successfully defend my title in Berlin will boost my ego and inspire me to train harder for the next race," said Masai.
