Defending champion Duncan Maiyo has set his sights on breaking the course record at the Brighton Marathon.

Maiyo claimed the title in 2hr.10min.15sec 12 months ago but believes he can eclipse William Chebor's benchmark of 2hr.09min.25sec from 2014.

And the 30-year-old from Kenya is aware he will have to run out of his skin to hold off the challenge of his fellow countrymen Raymond Chemongur and Edwin Kiptoo.

Maiyo said: "I ran a PB last year and I’m in much better shape this time. I think I will break 2:08. If it’s sunny weather and the wind is not too bad I can get the course record.

“The field is so much stronger than last year, so I can’t even say I will be the winner. That is the aim, of course, but these guys are not easy. I will try my best.”

A course record could also be on the cards in the women’s race where Maiyo’s compatriot and training partner, Pennina Wanjiru, defends her title against former Commonwealth Games 10,000m champion Grace Momanyi and two Ethiopians – the experienced Asnakech Mengistu and newcomer Halima Hussein.

Wanjiru marked her marathon debut last year with an eye-catching victory in 2:34:25 and went on to win her second marathon in Malaga last December. Like Maiyo, Wanjiru believes she’s in better shape this time and is aiming to break the 2:30 barrier.

“If there’s no rain and some sun, I am confident I can win again,” said the 31-year-old from Nyahururu, whose training partners include the world half marathon record holder, Florence Kiplagat.

“This year I’m in better shape and I’m sure I will run a PB, maybe 2:29 or 2:30,” she added. “But I have a challenge because the other girls are good too.”