Amos Kipruto criticises the 'high' marathon qualifying time for Tokyo World Championships
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Reading Time: 2min | Wed. 04.09.24. | 08:28
The new times set will definitely sieve and present the best in Tokyo, but Kipruto, a three-time world major medalist, believes that the qualification process will not be an easy one for some of the marathoners
The 2022 London Marathon champion Amos Kipruto feels that the qualification time set for the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo, Japan, could be challenging for some athletes to meet.
Marathoners, wishing to represent their countries in Tokyo, must meet the qualification time of 2:06:30, which is a significant rise considering that last year’s championships held in Budapest had the qualification time set at 2:08:10.
The new times set will definitely sieve and present the best in Tokyo, but Kipruto, a three-time world major medalist, believes that the qualification process will not be an easy one for some of the marathoners.
While athletics enthusiasts always look forward to fast races, the former Berlin Marathon silver medalist admits that, covering the 26.2 miles in two hours and 10 minutes is not a simple task as it appears in the eyes of many.
“It is quite too high for some athletes. Even 2:10 could still be high for many athletes wishing to run in Tokyo. Qualifying needs a lot of dedication and effort, but I am sure Kenyan marathoners will easily do it,” he said.
Meanwhile, Kipruto hopes to mark his return to the Kenyan team with gold should he get the favour from Athletics Kenya.
The 32-year-old mined bronze, during the 2019 World Championships held in Doha, which remains the last marathon medal Kenya has won in the biannual event.
Kipruto says it will be an honour to don the Kenyan singlet again even as the country hopes to reclaim the title last won by Geoffrey Kirui in 2017 in London.
“It is always an honour to represent Kenya out there. I am hoping to be on the team for next year’s championships.
I acknowledge that one has to be in good shape so as to be in the team, and that is what I am working hard to achieve,” said Kirputo who is gearing up for the Chicago Marathon next month.
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