Nairobi — The 27th edition of Mombasa International Marathon is to be held on May 9.

Athletics Kenya (AK) Coast branch treasurer, Anisa Abdalla said this year's marathon, sponsored by Safaricom, is expected to attract a record number of participants.

Anisa said they also expect many foreigners including athletes from neighbouring countries, Uganda, Tanzania and other South and Central African nations to participate in the annual event.

"We are assured of receiving record entries because the fifth Athletics Kenya weekend athletics meeting will also be taking part in Mombasa on May 7 and 8," she said.

Anisa, who is also the AK Mombasa sub-branch chairperson urged Coast athletes to be well prepared for the weekend meeting.

Few athletes have taken part in the marathon in the past but with an increase in prize money, organisers of the event see this as a boost that attract more runners.

Meanwhile, Sammy Wanjiru and Robert Kiprono Cheruiyot have vowed not to let the World Marathon Majors (WMM) contest shroud their focus as the season resumes with the spring marathons in London and Boston respectively.

Cheruiyot, who is a four time Boston marathon champion, has failed to reclaim the title in his last two attempts. He left the country on Wednesday for the United States, optimistic he will break the jinx on the his third try.

Salina Kosgei, the women's champion in last year's Boston race will also be back to defend her title. The Boston marathon will be held on Monday.

Wanjiru, the inaugural WMM winner, said he was not only seeking to win the $500,000 jackpot for male athletes but also his ability to reclaim the title he last won in 2007.

The Olympic marathon champion became the third Kenyan after Cheruiyot in 2007 and Martin Lel in 2008 to win the WMM jackpot. With 50 points to his name Wanjiru requires a podium finish in London to be assured of a share of the jackpot.