Running News Daily

Kibiwott Kandie set sights on warm-up events ahead of Budapest

Commonwealth Games 10,000m bronze medalist Kibiwott Kandie has said he will grace as many events as possible as he eyes a World Championship conquest in Budapest Hungary in August. 

In an exclusive interview on Wednesday, the 2020 World Half Marathon silver medallist said he had already gauged his potential in two global events this year and noticed an impressive rise in his curve. 

The latest of his conspicuous achievements is the scintillating form he pulled off at the Adizero Road to Records event in Herzogenaurach, Germany, on April 29.

Kandie emerged second behind compatriot Sabastian Sawe who stormed to the title in 26:49 to move fifth on the men’s world 10km all-time list. 

Kandie said the outcome attests to the fine form he currently enjoys after recuperating from injuries sustained earlier. 

"I successfully competed in the 10km Road to Records race in Germany on Saturday and I was lucky to finish second in 26:53. This is a great result after recovering some injuries," Kandie said.

"I'm glad I'm gradually brushing off injuries in the past two years that locked me out of the 2021 Tokyo Olympics as well as last year’s World Championships in Oregon and the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham," he added. 

The Kenyan contingent claimed a clean sweep with Nicholas Kipkorir Kimeli coming third in 26:54. World record-holder Rhonex Kipruto secured a fourth-place finish in 27:09 as Levy Kibet wrapped up the top-five in 27:14.

"My intention was to check my shape on a faster 10k road race abroad as we head to the World Championships in August," he added. 

Kandie said he is limbering up to flex muscles at the upcoming Kenya Defence Forces Athletic Championships, adding that he intends to leverage every competition that comes his way.

"At the moment, I am preparing for the KDF championship as well as the World Championship trials later on," Kandie said.

"All I can hope for is a positive result in Budapest. My training has been superb and I aim to keep up the effort. That's why I performed so well in the 10k road race," he remarked.

Kandie reflected on his historic performance in Birmingham, revealing that earning a bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games had inspired him to punch above his weight at the next World Championships when he will aim for nothing less than a gold medal.

Kandie made an impressive track debut, winning bronze at the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games after he accepted a challenge from NOC-K President Paul Tergat to run the 10,000m race.

"Since it was my first international track meet, winning bronze was a huge accomplishment. This was sufficient proof that I can achieve more not only on the road but also on the track.

"I'm working particularly hard to make a name for myself at the World Athletics Championships, where I'll compete in the 10,000m," he continued.

Kandie captained Team Kenya at the World Cross-Country Championships in Bathurst, Australia in April where the country emerged best overall with 10 medals — six gold, two silver, and two bronze.