With the absence of Titus Ekiru at 2023 Milano marathon, another Ekiru (Thomas) will feature prominently on 21st edition of Milano marathon on Sunday.

Titus Ekiru holds the course record in 2:02:58. 

The Iten based athlete, has been racing  in China before the covid -19 pandemic. However, he was forced to run local races after China races protected to resume. 

Thanks to 2022 Bilbao Bizkaia marathon, which saw him finishing second last year.

" I want to thank the race organisers and everyone who made it possible for me to compete in Milano," elated Ekiru said.

"This is one of the fastest races in Europe and I will be trying to run my personal best," he added.

Home boy, Yeman Crippa will be making his marathon debut. The reigning European Champion in 10000m, currently holds Italian records from 3000m to 21km.

Dickson Chumba (KEN) is another protagonist on the men line-up, so to Gideon Kipketer (KEN). Solomon Deksisa will be the fastest Ethiopian on Sunday's race.