Athletics Kenya has taken a lot of abuse over its selection policies in recent years, but this may well be one I agree with. Makau was a DNF in London while Wilson Kipsang (only four seconds slower at his best) steamed to victory.
Mary Keitany is an obvious pick and it seems like she is the front runner for the women's marathon title. The selection of world champions Abel Kirui and Edna Kiplagat was also expected.
The third men's runner Moses Mosop is undoubtedly powerful, but his lack of experience (four marathons so far) may hinder his performance. The final women's runner Priscah Jeptoo feels like a solid squad selection - she may well get on the podium as she did in Daegu, but it would be an upset if she came first. If Florence Kiplagat has beaten Jeptoo in London, one presumes that the marathon new-comer would have been the third pick.
Other notable absences are Geoffrey Mutai (DNF in Boston), Wesley Korir, and Emmanuel Mutai on the men's side, while Lucy Kabuu and Lydia Cheromei are the other women most unfortunate to miss out.
What do you guys think? Have the Kenyan selectors done their job well? What are the chances of a Kenyan defence of the late Samuel Wanjiru's title?
Provisional team:
-Wilson Kipsang
-Abel Kirui
-Moses Mosop
-Mary Keitany
-Edna Kiplagat
-Priscah Jeptoo