Cherono targets to set new course record at Berlin Marathon

The 36-year-old clocked 2:18:11 in winning her third Berlin marathon last year, which made her the sixth fastest in history.

Now she will try to become the first woman to win four editions of the race and remotely challenge the current world record held by compatriot Mary Keitany of 2:17:01 set in 2017 in London.

"I have trained well and my aim is to retain my title. I hope also to set a personal best," Cherono said on Friday.

But the first intention for the Kenyan champion is to try and write another chapter of history on Sunday in Germany's biggest and most spectacular road race.

A year ago the Kenyan broke the course record in Berlin, which had stood for 13 years and a fourth triumph would give her more wins than any other female runner. Cherono has a further goal in breaking her course record of 2:18:11 hours.

While the elite are aiming to produce world class times of under 2:20, Melat Kejeta is hoping to run 2:22 which would be a sensational debut at the distance for the former Ethiopian who received German citizenship only in March.

The Olympic qualifying time for the women's marathon in next year's Games in Tokyo is 2:29:30, a target also shared by the home favorite Anna Hahner.

This year the Berlin marathon has already established a record with 46,983 runners entered.

"We were able to increase the limit by 3,000 runners and with 150 nations represented, this is also a record. It will really be a world of runners on the startline," said Jurgen Lock, CEO of the organizing committee.

"We definitely have one of the strongest women's fields in the history of the event, even though we have had a couple of withdrawals led by Kenya's Vivian Cheruiyot," said race director Mark Milde.

"I hope that the women's course record will be under pressure on Sunday."