African Games 5,000m champion Robert Kiprop is hard at work as he prepares for the Bangsaen 10km road race in Thailand on September 17.
The Iten-based Kiprop, who is remembered for leading a Kenyan sweep of medals at the 2019 Africa Games in Rabat, Morocco, said his training as gone on as planned and he cannot wait to battle some of the world's best runners.
Kiprop, who has been dominating local cross country races, said he will use the Thai race as part of his build-up for next year, where he targets to break into Team Kenya to the Paris Olympic Games.
“Next year will be an Olympic year and every athlete will be hoping to make the team. Competing in such races will be crucial in evaluating where one is at and what needs to change,” said Kiprop.
John Muiriri clocked 29:40 to win the title last year ahead of homeboy Kieran Tuntivate (29:49) and Ethiopian Besha Teshome (31:47).
An invitation letter sent to him read in part: "On behalf of Mice & Communications, we are excited to invite Robert Kiprop Koech to participate in the Bangsaen10. Bangsaen10 is the Premier 10km road race running with World Athletics Road Race Elite Label in Thailand. Robert is an integral part of our continued commitment to make Bangsaen10 a world-class event."
