Tokyo, Mar 5 (Xinhua) World men's marathon record holder Eliud Kipchoge of Kenya said here on Saturday that he hopes to clinch the Tokyo Marathon title with a gold medal at last year's Olympic Games.
Kipchoge, who holds the world record of two hours, one minute and 39 seconds, told a pre-race news conference: "I want to show everyone and all my fans (my strength) in Japan. Will be happy. He."
The 37-year-old retained Olympic champion last summer when the Tokyo Games marathon race was held in the northern Japanese city of Sapporo to avoid hot and humid weather.
"I especially wanted to come back to Japan because I was able to win gold medals in two consecutive Olympics. (The race which was supposed to be in) Tokyo was held in Sapporo. I want to run on the streets of Tokyo. I want to show off I know that running is my life."
The 2021 Tokyo Marathon, originally scheduled last October, was forced to be moved to March 6 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Kipchoge will face a tough challenge from Ethiopia's Mosinet Geremeu, who holds the world's fourth fastest record in 2:02:55.
Geremeau said he would aim for 2:03:30 on Sunday, adding, "I'm all set."
When asked about Kipchoge, he expressed his respect and promised to give his best. "He's a strong athlete. I'm proud to have a fellow African. With sport, you never know what will happen. I look forward to running at the best of times."
Two-time defending champion Birhanu Leges was confirmed to withdraw from the event.
In the women's field, Kenya's Brigitte Kosgei, who won a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics last year, is confident.
"I hope to break the event record (2 hours 17 minutes and 45 seconds)," she said. "I'm in good shape and I'm training." I