Ugandan athlete Victor Kiplangat has announced his readiness for the upcoming 2024 Tokyo Marathon, scheduled for March 3rd. With his eyes set on the race, Kiplangat expressed confidence in his preparation, having diligently trained for the event. Having already met the qualifying standard for the Paris Olympic Games, Kiplangat is determined to showcase his abilities and aims to enhance his performance while competing alongside other top athletes.
Under the guidance of coach Addy Ruiter, Kiplangat emphasized the intensity of his training regimen, highlighting his eagerness to demonstrate his capabilities on the marathon stage in Japan. He affirmed his commitment to deliver a strong performance, indicating his view of the Tokyo Marathon as an invaluable opportunity to hone his skills ahead of the highly anticipated Olympic Games in France later this year.
Although Kiplangat will stand as the sole representative from Uganda among the elite marathoners, he will have fellow countryman Abel Boniface Sikowo accompanying him as his pacesetter. While acknowledging the formidable challenge posed by renowned athletes like Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya, Kiplangat embraced the prospect of competing against them, recognizing it as both a daunting task and a rewarding experience, particularly due to the anticipated pace of the race.
Among the competitors to watch out for are prominent Kenyan runners such as Vincent Kipkemoi Ngetich, Timothy Kiplagat, and Benson Kipruto, as well as the Ethiopian trio consisting of Hailemaryam Kiros, Andualem Belay, and Tsegaye Getachew. However, it is noted that Uganda will not have any representation in the women’s category of the Tokyo Marathon, emphasizing Kiplangat’s pivotal role as the nation’s contender in the prestigious event.
