(21/05/2005)

World marathon record holder Paul Tergat will lead Kenya's marathon team to the World Championships in Helsinki, Finland.

Tergat is believed to have been selected to lead the provisional squad of marathoners to the games, although Athletics Kenya sources said efforts are being made to consult Tergat before making the team public.

Expected to join Tergat in the team is the newly crowned London Marathon champion, Martin Lel and Joseph Riri - the Berlin Marathon runner-up.

Boston Marathon runner-up, Wilson Onsare, and third-placed Benson Cherono have also been included in the list.

Also short-listed are the second fastest man in the world, Sammy Korir, and former London Marathon champion, Evans Rutto.

The women's team will include the former world record holder, Tegla Loroupe and marathon world champion and Olympic silver medallist Catherine Ndereba.

Two-time London Marathon champion, Joyce Chepchumba, former London and New York Marathon champion, Margaret Okayo, Selina Kosgei and Turin Marathon champion, Beatrice Omwanza completes the team.