Kiprotich in UK for Sunday's Bupa Great Run

By Norman Katende

World and Olympic champion Stephen Kiprotich has an opportunity to reignite his winning ways this Sunday, when he takes part in the Great North Run in Gateshead in the UK.

Kiprotich, who failed in his efforts of bagging another win at both the 2013 New York Marathon and 2014 London Marathon (12th), has been entered in Sunday’s half marathon, with a main aim of trying to work on his speed and build his confidence ahead of his next marathon.

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Kiprotich (far left) in Moscow

Kiprotich, who has been training in Kaptagat, will be competing against a host of elite runners, mostly those preparing for the Commonwealth Games like Derek Hawkins and Romania’s Marius Ionescu, , who also competed in the marathon event at the London 2012 Olympic Games.

Though the race has little known runners, Kiprotich will have an opportunity to build his confidence over the half marathon mark, as he prepares for the 2014 Bupa Great North Run, due in New Castle September 7. Sunday’s race is a build up to the main event.

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The race has some elite runners compeition

“It’s a stepping stone to the Bupa Great North Run for Stephen. He’ll get a feel of the atmosphere he can expect in September and he’ll get an opportunity to see the course,” sa.id a statement from the organiser

Last year event attracted world greats Kenenisa Bekele and Haile Gebreselassie, with double Olympic and World championships gold medallist Mo Farah.