Reigning Tokyo Marathon champion Benson Kipruto is aiming for a standout performance in his debut at the Summer Olympics men’s marathon, scheduled for August 10. The Kapsabet-based runner, who also won the Chicago Marathon, stated that his training is progressing well and he is ready to give his best.
“I am preparing well. So far, my training is going well, and I have completed part of it. Now it’s just maintenance before traveling to Paris,” Kipruto said.
Kipruto noted that he is responding positively to his training and is eager to compete.
“I am in good shape and looking forward to competing well. I have trained extensively in hot conditions and have also undergone acclimatization, including sauna sessions and training in sunny weather with extra clothing,” he added. Kipruto, who has two bronze titles in the Boston Marathon, is optimistic about his performance in Paris, a region in northern France known for its challenging conditions.
The marathon route in Paris, with its long hills and descents, will test athletes’ endurance. At 33 years old, Kipruto set a personal best of 2:02:16 when he won the Tokyo Marathon, surpassing the previous record of 2:02:40 set by Eliud Kipchoge in 2022.
“I have also worked on this,” Kipruto said. “Kapsabet has similar hills, so the terrain is almost the same as where I train. I went to Paris in May to familiarize myself with the marathon course.”
He added, “The challenging part is the downhill, so I’m also training for that.”
Kipruto will compete alongside other elite athletes, including two-time Olympic marathon champion Eliud Kipchoge, reigning London Marathon champion Alexander Mutiso Munyao, and Tokyo Marathon silver medalist Timothy Kiplagat, who will be a reserve.
