Benson Kipruto is gearing up to defend his Tokyo Marathon title with high ambitions of setting a new record and securing a spot in the World Championships. As he prepares to take on a competitive field that includes 10,000m world record holder and Olympic champion Joshua Cheptegei, along with a formidable Ethiopian contingent, Kipruto remains confident in his abilities.
After an outstanding performance last year, where he shocked the world by defeating Eliud Kipchoge and other top athletes, Kipruto is determined to make another strong statement. His victory in the 2024 Tokyo Marathon came with a course record time of 2:02:16, a feat that cemented his place among the top marathoners. Kipchoge, who finished 10th in that race, has opted to begin his season at the London Marathon this year, leaving the Tokyo race open for another thrilling contest.
With rigorous training and meticulous preparation, Kipruto is optimistic about his chances of not only defending his title but also improving his previous time. Speaking at the pre-race press conference, he expressed excitement about returning to the streets of Tokyo, where he has already made history.
“I’m so happy to be back here… my condition is good now, and I’m ready to run well on Sunday. I’m hoping to improve last year’s time,” he said. “My plan is to run a very fast race from the first half and carry on the race. The course is flat, which would enable everyone to run a fast time. It’s a great course.”
Beyond the goal of setting another record, Kipruto is also eyeing a spot on the Kenyan team for the upcoming World Championships in Tokyo, Japan. His performance in the marathon could play a crucial role in convincing Athletics Kenya to include him in the squad. Having previously represented the country at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, where he finished an impressive third, Kipruto has shown his capability to compete at the highest level.
“The Athletics Federation in Kenya will decide who makes the marathon team to the World Championships, and after my race tomorrow, I hope I will be selected. I would like to represent my country again,” he stated.
The 2024 season was a significant one for Kipruto, with his Tokyo Marathon triumph standing out as a highlight. In addition to his Olympic bronze medal, he capped off the year with a fourth-place finish at the Tata Steel Kolkata World 25K. Following a brief recovery period, he resumed training with an eye on an intense and competitive 2025 season.
With his experience, discipline, and determination, Kipruto is prepared to take on the challenge ahead. The Tokyo Marathon provides him with the perfect stage to showcase his speed and endurance while proving his worth for a place in the World Championships. As race day approaches, all eyes will be on him to see if he can once again deliver a spectacular performance and further cement his legacy in marathon running.
