Eliud Kipchoge hoping for a great outing at Tokyo Marathon after recent stumble

ATHLETICS Eliud Kipchoge hoping for a great outing at Tokyo Marathon after recent stumble

Abigael Wafula 19:55 - 02.03.2024

Despite having a rough time from Kenyans' attacks on social media, Eliud Kipchoge is putting behind the negativity and anticipating to have a great run at the Tokyo Marathon on Sunday.

Four-time London Marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge is banking on his legs to take him to the finish line at the Tokyo Marathon coming up this Sunday.

Kipchoge will be returning to Japan for the third time and he will be running the Tokyo Marathon for the second time after his triumph back in 2022. He also has sweet memories of Japan since it’s where he won his second Olympic Marathon title.

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The five-time Berlin Marathon champion has exuded confidence ahead of the event, which he hopes will propel him to greater heights as far as his Olympic preparations are concerned.

He plans to become the first man to win three consecutive Olympic titles in the marathon and become the oldest athlete to win the Olympic marathon title.

“I’m well prepared and I trust and believe that my legs will take me to the finish line and I will enjoy a great race.

“My ultimate goal for this year is to do well at the Paris Olympic Games and I believe Tokyo is the best place for me to build up for the event.

“After the Tokyo Marathon, I will go back home and have a rest before starting to train for the Olympics well,” the two-time Olympic marathon champion said.

In the race, Kipchoge will face a stern test from Vincent Kipkemboi who gave him a run for his money at the 2023 Berlin Marathon.

Another athlete to watch will be Timothy Kiplagat, an able marathoner who has cemented his place in the world of road running.

The 2022 Chicago Marathon champion, Benson Kipruto, will also be in the mix, making his debut in the streets of Tokyo.

Uganda’s Victor Kiplagat will also be keen to make a name for himself at the event while Ethiopia’s Tsehay Getachew will also be in the mix, looking to challenge Kipchoge and the Kenyan charge.

Hailemaryam Kiros has also confirmed participation in the event and he will also be looking to fly the Ethiopian flag high.