Josphat Menjo Looking For Record In Australia

Menjo isn’t letting his age hold him back.

Josphat Menjo of Kenya is a bit old to be hurling himself down the track with the likes of runners nearly a decade younger than himself. But his age, 31, hasn’t stopped him thus far. He is the fastest man in the 10,000m this year and has arrived in Melbourne, Australia to race in the Zatopek 10K on Thursday. His goal there is to break the record held by Luke Kipkosgei, which is 27:22.54.

“I will try my level best to also be among those who have won here, like my fellow Kenyans,” he said. “I know Luke very well, so I will try to be close [to his record].”

Menjo’s story is an interesting one. He got a late start in competitive running, and didn’t compete for Kenya until 2006.

He is having a year like none other, having set PRs from the 1500 to the half marathon. He attributes his success to a new weightlifting and gym routine he’s incorporated this year.

“I changed training patterns this year,” Menjo said. “I feel stronger now and every year there has been improvement, but now I am running my best.”

For More: Herald Sun