Uganda's Olympic gold medallist sets for Fukuoka Marathon

The 2012 Olympic gold medallist Stephen Kiprotich has vowed to impress at Japan's Fukuoka Marathon that takes place on Sunday.

"I have trained really hard and my body has been responding well. I have always performed well in Japan and this time round I see another excellent run," Kiprotich told Xinhua news agency.

The Uganda star said after missing two big races this year after the death of his mother and local manager, he is now well tuned to compete.

"It has been a very tough year after the death of people close to me. But I hope to finish the season in style," added Kiprotich.

Dominic Otuchet, President of the Uganda Athletics Federation, said the Fukouka Marathon will help the 2012 world champion prepare better for the Commonwealth Games to take place in April in Australia.

Kiprotich will face stiff competition from Kenya's Lani Rutto, who is one of the runners with the fastest time in the Fukuoka marathon elite runners' list.

The competitive field will also include Amanuel Mesel of Eritrea, Norway's Sondre Moen, Kenya's in-form Bidan Karoki and defending champion Yemane Tsegaye from Ethiopia who is also the London marathon bronze medallist.

--IANS

tri/vm