NAIROBI, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Former world record holder Wilson Kipsang has warned his critics to rule him out at their own peril as he seeks to reclaim the Berlin Marathon title.
Speaking to Xinhua in Nakuru on Wednesday, Kipsang, who holds a fast time of 2:03:13, which he clocked in Berlin in 2016, said he is inspired by the prospects of breaking the 2:02:57 world record, currently held by compatriot Dennis Kimetto.
Despite not having won any race in 2018, the New York Marathon silver medalist is spoiling for fight to reclaim his ranking among the elite.
Last year, Kipsang experienced mixed fortunes after his 2017 victory in Tokyo, dropping out of Berlin in September but bouncing back to finish second at the New York City Marathon in November.
This year, stomach problems forced Kipsang to stop midway through the Tokyo Marathon course, but the 36-year old is certain he will attain his goal of running 2:02:50.
"My main aim is the world record," said Kipsang. "If the temperature and weather is ideal, then I will push for fast time."
Kipsang is the fifth fastest man after Kimetto (2:02:57), Olympic champion Eliud Kipchoge (2:03:05), Emmanuel Mutai (2:03:13) and Kenenisa Bekele (2:03:03).
