Uganda's former Olympic champion Kiprotich set for Hamburg Marathon

KAMPALA, April 25 (Xinhua) -- Uganda's former Olympic champion Stephen Kiprotich showed his confidence on Wednesday that he will perform well at the 2018 Hamburg Marathon on April 29.

"The training I have been under-going in western Kenya has been very good and I expect to be at my best. I decided to skip the Gold Coast Commonwealth Games because I wanted to give the younger runners chance," the 29-year old Kiprotich told Xinhua.

Kiprotich, who won a gold medal for Uganda at the 2012 London Olympics, said that he has improved greatly in his speed.

"I finished second in the Hamburg marathon last year, but I want to perform better this year although I know the competition will be stiff," he added.

The Ugandan star runner, who also won the 2013 World Championship marathon in Moscow, will however face tough competition from Kenya's Emmanuel Mutai, Sammy Kitwara and Vincent Kipruto among others.

The defending champion Tsegaye Mekonnen from Ethiopia will also be out to prove a point that last year was no fluke.

Fresh from winning the London Marathon last weekend Kenya's Eluid Kipchoge who also holds Hamburg Marathon course record at 2:05:30, set in 2013 will not take part.

Dominic Otuchet, President of the Uganda Athletics Federation (UAF), told Xinhua on Wednesday that he is optimistic Kiprotich will perform well in Germany.

"Kiprotich has prepared really well and we expect him to perform," added Otuchet.

He said Ugandan athletes have started the season well by also winning four medals at the just ended Gold Coast Commonwealth Games and they are hopeful Kiprotich will also come out victorious. Enditem