World marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge has assured Kenyans of a good show accompanied by medals, during this year’s edition of the Olympics games in Tokyo, Japan.
Speaking after being named in Kenya’s Olympics ‘marathon dream team’, Kipchoge said it is an honour being given a node to represent the country in the Olympics, adding that they will work hard to bring home the much needed victory.
“It’s a great honour to represent Kenya again. I want to assure Kenyans and my fans across the world that we shall work hard to ensure that the team achieve what is required. We shall come with medals. I know it is still a long way to go and anything can happen in between but keep us in prayers,” Kipchoge said as quoted by Nation.
Kipchoge who will defending his Olympic title he won in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2016, will lead the men marathon team which consists of Lawrence Cherono and Amos Kipruto, while Titus Ekiru and Dedan Karoki will be on standby.
Kipchoge is the first man to run a 42 kilometer race under 2 hours, after he ran for 1 hour, 59 minutes and 40 seconds during the INEOS 1:59 Challenge in Vienna, Austria last year.
Brigid Kosgei will lead women marathoners together with former London Marathon champion Vivian Cheruiyot, and Ruth Chepng'etich, with Valary Aiyabei and Sally Chepyegon being selected as reservists.
The 2020 Olympics in Tokyo will be the between July 24, and August 09. However, marathon races will be held in the City of Sapporo over concerns of high heat in Tokyo.
The women marathon race will be held on August 08, a day before male marathoners' race on August 09.