Malaga Marathon champion Charles Muneria has put his race plans on hold as he sets his sights on meeting the Olympic qualification mark in the men’s 10,000m.
The 28-year-old emphasised his goal to qualify for the Olympics and represent Kenya for the second time in the prestigious event.
"I've cancelled all my upcoming marathons to focus solely on making the Olympics 10,000m team," Muneria confirmed.
He made his first Olympic appearance during the 2016 Rio Olympics in the 5,000m, where he finished in position 12 clocking 13:30.95.
With the Olympic mark in the men’s 10,000m set at 27:00.00, Muneria states that he hasn’t been able to meet the mark as he had switched to the full marathon.
“I have not met the Olympic mark yet because I was concentrating on the road races. I didn’t have the time to participate in events that would enable me to qualify for the 10,000m,” he stated.
Muneria has a few marathon titles under his belt including the 2023 Munster Marathon, where he clocked 2:09:07 to secure the crown. In 2022, he clocked 1:00:28 to seal the Zwolle Half Marathon title in the Netherlands.
Athletics Kenya (AK) announced last week that the Olympic Trials from the 10,000m races (both men and women) will take place on May 25 during the Prefontaine Classic in Eugene, Oregon.
Muneria said he was cautious of the strong field in the men’s race but was confident in his experience and ability to pull off a win.
"I'm aware of the strong field in the men’s race, but I'm confident in my experience and ability to win," Muneria expressed.
Muneria said he is keen to improve on his speed.
"I'm reducing my long runs to work on my speed, which is crucial for the 10,000m. I already have endurance," he said.
Last weekend, Muneria clocked 28:50.9 to clinch the title at the Kenya Prisons track and field championships at the Ulinzi sports complex. Alsaya Lawi (28:52.4) and Peter Emase (29:32.1) sealed the podium.
Muneria mentioned that the win will be a motivation booster as he gears up for the trials.
"With my mind fully focused on making the team for Paris, winning the Prisons title is a motivation booster. It shows I have what it takes to meet the qualifying time," Muneria declared.
