Debutant Kipruto eyeing London Marathon podium

The 2019 world marathon bronze medallist Amos Kipruto is eyeing a podium finish when he makes his debut at the London Marathon this Sunday.

Kipruto, a second-place finisher at the Tokyo Marathon early this year will be the sole Kenyan in the race after his compatriot and training mate Vincent Kipchumba pulled out due to an injury.

Having secured second-place finishes in Tokyo and Berlin, Kipruto wants to leave a mark in the English capital by lowering his personal best mark of 2:03:03 set in Tokyo.

“It is my first time competing in London and I am excited that I got the opportunity to make my debut this year. I think I am ready to make a good account of myself on Sunday. Owing to my training my target is to make the podium,” said Kipruto.

The 30-year-old will clash with a strong field led by defending champion Sisay Lemma of Ethiopia who clocked 2:04:01 to win last year’s race.

Joining them is the three-time Olympic champion Kenenisa Bekele of Ethiopia who placed third in 2016 and second in 2017.

Multiple world and Olympic champion Mo Farah of Great Britain, Birhanu Legese- the third fastest marathoner and Mosinet Geremew- the fifth fastest marathoner will also be in action on Sunday.

Defending champion Joyciline Jepkosgei, Paris Marathon champion Juduth Jeptum and Mary Ngugi will fly Kenyan flag in the women’s race.

World record holder Brigid Kosgei pulled out of the race earlier this week due to a hamstring injury on her right leg.

The London Marathon comes just a week after the Berlin Marathon that saw marathon legend Eliud Kipchoge lower his own world record by 30 seconds.