Kenya's Kipruto eyes Xiamen boost
(Xinhua), Updated: 2018-12-27
Former world marathon silver medalist Vincent Kipruto will lead Kenya's charge at the Xiamen International Marathon on Jan 6.
After a frustrating 2018 in which he competed in three marathons but failed to win any, Kipruto is hoping to start the year on a triumphant note by breaking Ethiopia's dominance of the race.
Speaking from Eldoret in his native country, Kipruto said he was disappointed at not being able to finish the Fukuoka Marathon in Japan earlier this month, but feels he is ready to bounce back from that setback in Fujian province.
"I have recovered and am focused on running a top race," said the 31-year-old. "I believe I am strong enough to challenge for the medals. I have no intention of competing at the world championships later in 2019, but I want to give this race my best effort," said the 31-year-old.
"Ethiopians have dominated the race and it is time Kenya takes over and brings home the medals."
Wresting the title away from defending champion Dejene Debela of Ethiopia will be no easy task.
The 23-year-old won twice in China last year, clocking 2:11:22 in Xiamen and 2:12:08 in August in Beijing for victory. However, he was a distant seventh in Rome in April.
Another Kenyan, Vincent Yator, is also bidding to take the challenge to Debele.
Xiamen's annual race is the first major competition of the marathon season and has earned a "gold label" classification from the IAAF.
The first edition was staged in 2003, with the entry list steadily growing over time. In 2010, over 50,000 runners took part. Three years later, that figure had swelled to almost 74,000.
Run along a scenic coastal course, the race has become a calling card of the picturesque southeastern city.