Abel Kirui, the two-time marathon world champion was scheduled to run the Mumbai marathon, but with an upsurge of the covid-19 pandemic in India, the race was canceled.

When one door closes, another one opens. Kirui will team up with Titus Ekiru to headline the Milano marathon due on Sunday, May 16, 2021. Ekiru holds the course record with 2:04:46.

The 39-year-old, Kirui fascinated many in last year's Valencia marathon, by running 2:05:05 one second outside his lifetime best. Currently, Kirui is the most consistent and long-serving marathoner.

Thanks, to Kapsabet based coach, Richard Mutai who mentored Kirui. Coach Mutai is credited for championing the Kapsabet Administration police camp during his time as an active athlete.

Former New York marathon champion Rodgers Rop began his training there, so is Abel Kirui. Coach Mutai help Kirui to relocate from Mombasa to Kapsabet so that he can train fully. He also links him to his first management in Poland after dominating local races.

Other athletes joining Kirui and Ekiru in Milan include Seifu Tura, Kenneth Mungara, Mekuant Ayenew, Asefa Mengistu, Nicholas Korir, Nicholas Kirwa, Mike Boit, and Reuben Kipyego.

Women's race is equally competitive. Former Tokyo marathon champion Ruti Aga of Ethiopia is among the favorites. Others include Azmera Gebru, Besu Sado, and Bornes Chepkurui of Kenya.