'I’m trying to go and run a fast time'- Benson Kipruto eyes Tokyo Marathon title defense and record in 2025 after Olympic success

Benson Kipruto aims to defend his Tokyo Marathon title and achieve greater milestones in 2025 after winning bronze at Paris Olympic Games.

Olympic marathon bronze medallist Benson Kipruto has disclosed plans to defend his Tokyo Marathon title in 2025.

Next year’s edition of the event is scheduled for Sunday, March 2 and Kipruto is working around the clock to ensure he is ready for the challenge.

At this year’s edition of the Tokyo Marathon, Kipruto upset a strong field comprising former world marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge among other stars to take the top prize.

Kipchoge, despite his familiarity of the event, ended up finishing distant 10th after winning the 2022 edition of the event.

With such a confidence boost, Kipruto went to claim the bronze at the Paris Olympic Games and has not looked back since then.

The Kenyan road running sensation is not resting on his laurels as he sharpens his talons for the next assignment. He will not be enjoying the festive season like other people since he will be deep into training.

However, Kipruto revealed that if opportunity arises, he will be looking to spend more time with his family and relatives.

“I’m preparing for the marathon next year, the first marathon of the year, that is the Tokyo Marathon and I’m preparing to go and defend my title,” Kipruto said in an interview with CGTN Africa.

“I hold the course record for this year and next year I’m trying to go and run a fast time and break the course record again.

“This festive season, I’ll be in training and not celebrating that much but I will try and enjoy with my relatives and family.”

Remembering his experience at the Paris Olympic Games, Kipruto explained that it was a great experience and expressed interest in representing the country once again.

The 2022 Chicago Marathon champion revealed that he was aware of the tough course and hard worked hard in training with the intentions of properly tackling it.

“Paris was a good experience for me…it was my first time to represent my country and the course itself was tough but I knew it, and I prepared well for it,” Kipruto said.

“I prepared for the tough conditions and I knew what to expect. Despite the course being uphill and downhill, the conditions were also hot but we managed.”

posted Friday December 27th
by Abigael Wafula