Perth Running Festival: Kenyan marathoners among 10,000 people running in WA festival

Two Kenyan marathoners will be among more than 10,000 people stepping up for the sold-out Perth Running Festival on Sunday. Samuel Moru and Janet Komen, who train together in their home country of Kenya, arrived in Perth early on Saturday morning to take on the 42.2km race — one of four distances being raced. The pair, whose visit marks their first time down under, said they are thrilled to be in Perth for the festival. “Everyone has been so friendly and the people in Perth are lovely,” Moru said. “The course looks very beautiful and hopefully fast.” Komen said after her running career she would love to come work in Australia, adding “this place is magic”. Perth’s warm weather does not deter Moru, who said he is used to the Kenyan heat. “It looks like it will be very hot but that is okay as it is hot at home,” he said. “In Kenya we train at altitude which is very tough.” The race is WA’s largest marathon ever and takes runners along the Swan River, over the Matagarup bridge, through Burswood Park and finishes inside Optus Stadium. Competitors from more than 14 countries and every State and territory are represented. The festival sees participants run, walk and wheel distances ranging from 4km, 10km, half marathon (21.1km) and marathon (42.2km). The event will be streamed live on Streamer, is supported by Seven West Media and is a major fundraiser for Telethon.