Stephen Kiprotich heads back to camp

By Norman Katende
 
Double World and Olympic Marathon gold medallist Stephen Kiprotich, will have to call time to his merrymaking as he returns to camp to prepare for upcoming international races.
 
Unlike after the historic win at the 2012 London Olympic Games, which saw him spend over three months merrymaking, Kiprotich will begin preparations for his next marathon in three months' time.
 
“I am going to the village on Thursday to see my family and then connect from there to go to camp in Kaptagat (Eldoret, Kenya). I am preparing for a big marathon,” said Kiprotich at a luncheon organized in honour of Team Uganda who reigned supreme at the World Mountain Running championships in Poland by sweeping the top four positions.
 
International marathon rules only give organisers the mandate to release the names of the elite field in their marathon, even after agreeing terms with them.

Kiprotich's manager Jurrie Van Der Velden confirmed that there was a race organized for him.PHOTO: Norman Katende

Philip Kiplimo won gold in the men's World Mountain Running championships with Geoffrey Kusuro, Nathan Ayeko and Peter Kibet taking the next three positions as Uganda won the overall title.
 
“I am going to train for over two months because I expect to have a race around November,” Kiprotich said.
 
Kiprotich's manager Jurrie Van Der Velden confirmed that there was a race organized for him, though they were waiting for the technicalities to be sorted before an official announcement can be made.
 
However, all indications are that Kiprotich is most likely to compete in a marathon in America, where the appearance fee is lucrative good and there is enough time for recovery. He needs at least three months of rest before he can compete in a marathon in order not to burn himself out.
 
“There will be an announcement made. We are having final talks,” said Van Der Velden.