Exclusive: Titus Kipruto Targets Tokyo Marathon Gold with a Heart for the Less Fortunate

Titus Kipruto is a man on a mission, as the fast-rising Kenyan marathoner is keen on correcting the mistakes that cost him victory in 2023 by clinching gold in the 2025 edition of the Tokyo Marathon. 

The 27-year-old will be making his second appearance in the race, which is scheduled for Sunday, March 2 having been confirmed as one of the elite athletes. 

Kipruto, made his Tokyo Marathon and World Major debut with a fourth-place finish in 2023, clocking 2:05:32 to be the best-ranking Kenyan male athlete in that edition. 

This year's race promises fireworks, as the men's elite list released last week is packed with big guns, featuring six sub 2:04 athletes, including the defending champion and Paris Games bronze medalist Benson Kipruto. 

World 5000m and 10000m record-holder Joshua Cheptegei of Uganda, Two-time Tokyo Marathon champion Birhanu Legese (Ethiopia), World bronze medallist Leul Gebresilase (Ethiopia) and last year's bronze medallist Vincent Ngetich of Kenya will all be up against Kipruto.

KIPRUTO BACK TO TOKYO WISER, EXPERIENCED

Despite not being among the six athletes possessing sub 2:04 time and being considered favourite, Kipruto says he returns to Tokyo an experienced athlete, who will not settle for anything short of the gold medal. 

The 2022 Amsterdam Marathon silver medallist is banking on the experience he has amassed in the past two years to upset the talent-rich field. 

Kipruto attributed his fourth-place finish in 2023 to the lack of exposure in racing in a World Major and his generally limited participation in the 26.2-mile-long races, given his age.

However, the 2022 Milan Marathon champion says the races he has featured in over the last two years have boosted his confidence levels and shaped him to take on seasoned long-distance runners. 

"I am preparing for nothing but victory, as it is my desire to start the year with a gold medal in a World Major. I ran a good race in 2023 but lacked the experience to outsmart the three Ethiopian opponents. Since then, I have gained the experience and exposure to run at the big stages," said Kipruto in a telephone interview with SportsBoom.com.

Additionally, Kipruto is drawing inspiration from the impressive performance he put on in the Shanghai Marathon in December last year in his bid for gold in Tokyo. 

He wrapped up 2024 with silver, having clocked 2:06:30 to finish behind Ethiopia's Samson Mare, who won the race after timing 2:06:26.

The fact that Kipruto did not break camp and proceed for the festivities, as he anticipated earning a slot in a World Major early in 2025, is a reason for him to feel ready for Tokyo. 

"I am in good shape as I did not take a break after the Shanghai Marathon. I feel I am in the rhythm and ready to compete. The challenge between now and March is to balance the training well so that it doesn't suck the energy out of me ahead of the race,” added Kipruto, who is hoping that Tokyo's weather will be favourable.

KIPRUTO'S BIG HEART FOR LESS FORTUNATE MOTIVATING HIM TO GO FOR GOLD

Road races, especially World Major Marathons, are known for their rich financial rewards.

The solid packages offered by the organisers are, undoubtedly, one of the Unique Selling Points besides the status, prestige and the recognition that tags along.

While some athletes will line up in Tokyo hoping to win and make a difference in their lives, Kipruto will be seeking to win and touch the less fortunate.

The 2024 Paris Marathon silver medallist revealed that he spares a decent chunk of his winnings to give back to his community in Kapsabet Kenya.

He disclosed that he, either helps in paying school fees for children from humble backgrounds, paying medical bills, uplifting upcoming athletes, and contributing to the well-being of the community.

He pledged to lend a helping hand to the community from what he will earn in the streets of Tokyo in March.

"Myself, I come from a humble background, and I know it means to lack basic needs. I understand what it means to be helped out of a difficult situation and growing in indignity. Since I have already made a difference in my life, I try as much as I can to help others. I will definitely use part of the prize money from Tokyo to help the needy in the society, as it has been the norm," he revealed.

He said the urge to change the lives of people close to him will push him to achieve his ambition of winning gold.