Kiptanui gunning for a better 2023 after Commonwealth Games disappointment

Xiamen Marathon 2021 champion Eric Kiptanui has begun his preparations for the season in earnest as he looks to put his troubled 2022 season behind him and work for a successful 2023.

The 29-year-old started his year with the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) cross country championship held on Friday 6 January at the Ulinzi Complex where he failed to defend the title he won in 2021.

Lokedi, Jepkosgei among Kenyans headlining Boston Marathon field

However, his first race of the year came two months to the date of his first marathon in Tokyo where he will look to beat the star-studded lineups expected at the World Marathon Majors (WMM) 2023 opener on 5 March.

“Since missing out on the Commonwealth Games marathon due to no fault of mine, I have tried to pick myself up from the disappointing turn of events but it has not been easy.

Athletics timetable for Paris 2024 Olympic Games published

I competed at the Chicago marathon in October last year, my first competition since the Birmingham debacle but the performance was not good. I was still struggling mentally and after that I took time off but now I am back. I am hoping to have a good race in Tokyo,” offered Kiptanui at the sidelines of the KDF cross country championship.

The 2018 Berlin and Lisbon Half marathon champion clocked 2:08:26 in Chicago to place ninth in a race won by compatriot Benson Kipruto, in 2:04:24.

“I am happy with my training so far. I decided to race in the KDF event as part of my build up for Tokyo and I am okay with my performance. I head back to training with a clearer picture of where I am in terms of preparedness.”