**UPDATE: Kiprotich now World and Olympic Champion after MOSCOW 2013 win!***
Marathon – 2:30PM
Nine of Uganda’s athletes have already bowed out of the 14th World Athletics Championships with none nearing the podium. Day eight presents Uganda her final chance to try out getting a podium finish, the fourth in the Championships history.
Three marathoners Abraham Kiplimo, Jackson Kiprop and Olympic champion Stephen Kiprotich will line up for the 42km marathon in Moscow on Saturday afternoon. “That’s where our hopes lie most,” team captain Moses Kipsiro told Kawowo Sports before they left for Russia last week. “Kiprop may be a surprise package in Moscow,” team coach Benjamin Longiross said.
Kiprop, who took the Mumbai Marathon honours early in January, spent the latter part of his preparations with Kiplimo and Kiprotich in Eldoret, Kenya. “We have learnt a lot while there and that should help us achieve respectable positions in Moscow,” Kiplimo noted.
But main focus will be Kiprotich. The 24-year-old national record holder has taken the main spotlight to save Uganda’s chances. He came to rescue last summer when he landed gold after a magnificent finish in London. “I will go out there to run my own race,” he said with Moscow weather least of his worries. “I have been working hard and I am hopeful I can finish among the top three.” he added.
There are few notable absences of Kenyan duo of Abel Mutai and Wilson Kiprotich but five other Kenyans could present a surprise package for the Ugandans. Also, London Marathon winner Tsegaye Kebede leads a team of Ethiopians as well and Eritrea will also make five to the starting list of 70.