NAIROBI, April 18 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's Mary Keitany said despite challenges in training caused by heavy rains, she is ready to break the world marathon record in London on Sunday.
Keitany, who jetted out on Tuesday night to London, said she has done well in her preparations and she has emerged through without any injury concerns.
The Kenyan athlete set a 'women only' record of 2:17:01 when she won the race last year and believes she has the strength and tactics to attempt to break the 15-year old Paula Radcliffe's mark of 2:15:25, which she set in 2003 at the same London Marathon, when she used male pace setter.
"My training went on well despite the heavy rains that have been pounding the area. I'm looking forward to a good race on Sunday," she said on Wednesday.
Keitany has raced sparingly since her last performance in London. She was beaten to second spot at the New York Marathon in Nov and was also second at the Ras Al Khaimah Half Marathon in February clocking a personal best of 1:04:55.
However, her finishing time was always fast and many believe she is the only athlete in current crop of runners who can break the Briton's world record.
"I have my focus on the world record and hopefully with the help of male pace setters, I will be able to shave off a few seconds off the time," she said.
Keitany led Kenya's women team heading to London, which also has Frankfurt Marathon champion Vivian Cheruiyot (2:23:35) Helah Kiprop and Florence Kiplagat.
Already Chicago Marathon champion Titrunesh Dibaba, whom Keitany beat in London last year, has warned it will not be business as usual as she seeks her first win in the English capital in her third attempt.
"I have more experience and prepared well for the race. I will not sit back, but take the race to Keitany," said Dibaba.
Other Ethiopians in the race include Mare Dibaba (2:19:52), Aselefech Mergia (2:19:31), Aberu Kebede (2:20:30) and Tigist Tufa (2:21:52).
Meanwhile, the men's race has two less competitor after former New York Marathon winner Stanley Biwott has pulled out of the London Marathon due to a left leg injury. The other to withdraw is Alphonse Simbu of Tanzania, the world bronze medalist.
