Kenya, the origin of many of the world’s fastest marathon runners, announced their official line-up to represent their country in Beijing at the 2008 Summer Olympic Games. The annoucement includes all 37 athletes who will travel to Beijing for Track and Field events, but perhaps most importantly, the men’s and women’s marathon squad.

Among Kenya’s six entrants, at least four would be considered the best in the world at their craft. The men’s line-up stats with 2007 New York Marathon and 2007 & 2008 London Marathon Champion Martin Lel. Next up in the incredible young talent of half-marathon world-record holder Sammy Wanjiru, who ran 2:06 in his bebut and then broke 2:06 in his second marathon at London just a few months later. And finally, Robert Cheruiyot who has won the Boston Marathon in 2003, 2006, 2007 and 2008, setting a course record 2:07:14 in 2006.

The women’s side starts with the incredible Catherine Ndereba, often known as Catherine the Great. Ndereba holds the distinction of holding the only of the top five fastest times in marathon history that are not held by Paula Radcliffe. Her fourth fastest time in history (2:18:47) was a world record when she ran it in 2001 and makes her the only other woman in history to have broken 2:19:00 in the marathon.

In addition, Kenyan brings Martha Komu and Salina Kosgei to round out the team. Kosgei finished fourth in London in 2007.

Kenya will be a formidable force in the games, especially without world record holder Haile Gebrselassie in the mix. In particular Martin Lel, who has shown he can win strategically difficult races like New York, will be a front-runner to watch for sure.

The entire Keyan Team in listed below.

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Kenyan team for the 2008 Summer Olympics

MEN -
400m
1. Vincent Mumo

800m
1. Wilfred Bungei
2. Boaz Kiplagat Lalang
3. Alfred Kirwa Yego

1500m
1. Augustine Choge
2. Asbel Kiprop
3. Nicholas Kemboi

5000m
1. Edwin Soi
2. Eliud Kipchoge
3. Thomas Pkemei Longosiwa

10,000m
1. Moses Masai
2. Martin Mathathi
3. Micah Kogo

3000m Steeplechase
1. Ezekiel Kemboi
2. Brimin Kipruto
3. Richard Matelong

Marathon
1. Martin Lel
2. Samuel Wanjiru
3. Robert Cheruiyot

20km Race walk
1. David Kimutai

WOMEN -

400m
1. Elizabeth Muthuka

800m
1. Pamel Jelimo
2. Janeth Jepkosgei
3. Josephine Nyarunda

1500m
1. Viola Kibiwott
2. Nanacy Jebet Langat

5000m
1. Priscah Jepleting
2. Sylvia Jebiwott kibet
3. Vivian Cheruiyot

3000m steeplechase
1. Ruth Bosibori
2. Eunice Jepkorir
3. Veronica Nyaruai

Marathon
1. Catherine Ndereba
2. Martha Komu
3. Selina Kosgei

- Officials -
Team manager – Joseph Kinyua
Assistant – David Kilundo
Assistant – jane Toroitich

- Coaches -
Julius Kirwa
Peter Mathu
David leting
James Mutysa