Athletics-Kosgei and Kitata to defend London marathon titles

(Reuters) - Kenyan world record holder Brigid Kosgei and Ethiopian Shura Kitata will defend their titles at the London Marathon in October, organisers said on Thursday.

Kosgei won silver in the women's marathon event at the Tokyo Games last weekend. The 27-year-old is aiming for her third consecutive London Marathon victory.

"Last year's win was very special, particularly given what the whole world was going through ... I hope to arrive again in very good shape and win for the third time," Kosgei was cited as saying in a statement from the organisers.

Kosgei set the women's marathon world record of 2:14.04 in Chicago in 2019.

Kitata, who pulled out of the Olympic Games marathon after suffering in the hot and humid conditions in Sapporo, said he was healthy and ready to return.

"I have set my mind on how I can run fast and better than last year and I'm looking forward to seeing if I can repeat the victory and make history in the race," the statement quoted 25-year-old Kitata as saying.

The London Marathon will be held on Oct. 3.

(Reporting by Manasi Pathak in Bengaluru; Editing by Raissa Kasolowsky)

FILE PHOTO: Tokyo 2020 Olympics - Athletics - Women's Marathon - Medal Ceremony - Olympic Stadium, Tokyo, Japan – August 8, 2021. Silver medallist Brigid Kosgei of Kenya celebrates on the podium REUTERS/Antonio Bronic/File Photo

FILE PHOTO: Athletics - New York City Marathon - New York City, New York, U.S. - November 4, 2018 Ethiopia's Shura Kitata in action during the Professional Men's race REUTERS/Darren Ornitz/File Photo

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