Wilson Kipsang wins last year’s Tokyo Marathon. [Photo/iaaf.org]
Kenyan long distance runner Wilson Kipsang will next month defend the Tokyo International Association of Athletics Federation (IAAF) marathon in Japan.
A report published on IAAF website – iaaf.org indicates that the marathon will be held on 25 February, 2018 in Japan’s Capital City.
Kipsang who is the former world marathon record-holder, won last year’s race in a time of 2 hours, 3 minutes and 58 seconds. The race was staged on Sunday February 26, 2017.
“I was feeling very good. The course is very good, but it was bit windy." said Kipsang after winning last year’s race.
The 35-year-old Kipsang will return to the Japanese Capital next month aiming to improve his own course record.
He will line up against strong competitors among them compatriot Dickson Chumba. Chumba is the 2014 Tokyo Marathon winner.
Apart from Kipsang and Chumba, other Kenyans who will take part in the 2018 Tokyo Marathon men’s race are Vincent Kipruto, Gideon Kipketer, Amos Kipruto and Bernard Kipyego.
Purity Rionoripo and Helah Kiprop will represent Kenya in the female race. They will be up against Ethiopians Ruti Aga, Shure Demise, Birhane Dibaba and Meseret Defar who will be making her Marathon debut.
The 34 year old Defar will be graduating from 5, 000 metres race.