Marathoner Stephen Kiprotich opts for Tokyo marathon

By Norman Katende

World and Olympic Champion Stephen Kiprotich has opted to take part in the 2015 Tokyo Marathon, which automatically rules him out of a third appearance at the London Virgin marathon due next year.

The decision of Kiprotich, who is coming off a fifth place finish in the New York marathon, announced by the organisers of the IAAF Gold Label Road Race that is due February 22.

The event will also attract Ethiopian long-distance runner Tiki Gelena, who won gold at the London 2012 Olympics.

With his defence for the World championships title in Beijing due in August next year – six months after the Tokyo marathon – Kiprotich is expected not to take part in any other marathon.

He will instead concentrate on preparing to defend his title in a competition that is expected to attract more Ugandan runners.

Both Kiprotich and Gelena have had what can be described as a difficult 12 months during which they have struggled to replicate the form that powered them to their Olympic triumphs in London.

Kiprotich will look forward to a renewed visit to Japan where he made his name in the marathon running.

He posted two hours seven minutes and 50 seconds to win a bronze before heading to the Olympic Games in 2012 and now he believes a better performance there will inspire him to take on Beijing.

In Beijing, the celebrated Ugandan athlete will try to defend the World Championships crown, and if he does, he will be only the fourth runner to ever do so.