Kenya's Kipsang rules out competing at Tokushima Marathon

NAIROBI, March 3 (Xinhua) -- Former Olympic bronze medalist Wilson Kipsang of Kenya has clarified he will not be taking part in the Tokushima Marathon on March 25.

Organizers of the Tokushima Marathon had on Thursday indicated that Kipsang, 34, was to compete in their marathon alongside other three Kenyans.

However, Kipsang has since clarified that he will not be competing at the event, but will appear at the starting line-up as a guest.

"Kipsang will only appear at Tokushima as a guest and will not run," Kipsang's Management team, Volare Sports said on Saturday.

Kipsang was forced to pull out of the Tokyo marathon last month after complaining of stomach pains after just 15km.

His appearance and running in Tokushima would not have been a surprise because in 2017, he failed to finish the Berlin marathon, but still went on to finish second at the New York marathon.

On his failure to complete the course record in Tokyo, Kipsang said he was disappointed.

"I really wanted to go fast, but after suffering from stomach problems the last two days before the race, I didn't have the power to run a decent race. I'm disappointed because I was really ready for it. I'm speechless but I will be back," he said.

Tokushima Marathon organizers however confirmed that they will still invite elite field which will include three Kenyan athletes.

Kipsang has a best time of 2:03:13 and won the Tokyo Marathon in 2017. The Tokushima Marathon course record of 2:15:25 was set in 2014 by Yuki Kawauchi. Enditem